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How a VC Can Affect Your Heart PVCs are common and can be experienced by many people without causing any issues. If they happen frequently, PVCs may weaken your heart and increase the risk for heart failure. The rhythm of your heart is controlled by a group of fibers that are located in the upper right corner of your heart. This is known as the sinoatrial node, or SA. Electrical signals are transmitted from there to the lower chambers of your heart or ventricles. Causes PVCs occur when the electrical impulse that typically starts your heartbeat at a point known as the sinus node (also called the sinoatrial or SA Node) does not. The impulse actually starts in the ventricles, causing an irregular heartbeat. These extra beats are also known as ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. It could feel as if the heart skipped a beat or feels fluttering. They may happen rarely and cause no symptoms, or they can happen often enough to impact your daily life. If they occur frequently or cause dizziness, weakness or fatigue, your doctor could treat them with medicine. For most people, PVCs are harmless and don't increase your risk of heart disease or other health issues. In time, repeated PVCs can weaken the heart muscle. This is especially relevant if they are triggered by a heart condition such as dilated cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which can lead to symptomatic heart failure. PVCs can trigger symptoms such as a feeling of your heart skipping a beat, or the feeling of your heart fluttering. It is also possible to feel exhausted. The fluttering may be more noticeable if you exercise, or eat or drink certain beverages or foods. PVCs are more prevalent in those suffering from chronic stress or anxiety. Certain medications, like digoxin, amiodarone or cocaine, can also increase their risk. If you are experiencing occasional PVCs, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medicines. If you are prone to frequent PVCs, your physician may suggest that you stay away from certain drinks and foods, like caffeine and alcohol. You can also take steps to reduce your stress and make sure you get enough sleep and exercise. If you have lots of PVCs, he may suggest a medical procedure called radiofrequency catheter ablation. It destroys the cells that are responsible for PVCs. Electrophysiologists are the ones who perform this procedure. The treatment is usually effective in treating PVCs which reduce symptoms, but does not prevent them from returning in the future. In certain cases, it may increase the risk of having atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can lead to stroke. This is rare but can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms Premature ventricular contractions, or PVCs, can make your heart appear to flutter or skip the beat. These extra heartbeats are generally harmless, however, you should consult your physician in case you experience frequent episodes or signs like dizziness or weakness. The electrical signals normally begin in the sinoatrial area, which is located in the upper right-hand corner of the heart. They then travel to the lower chambers, or ventricles, which pump blood. The ventricles then contract to propel blood into your lungs and then return to the heart to begin the next pumping cycle. But a PVC begins in a different location that is separate from the bundle of fibers called the Purkinje fibers, in the lower left part of the heart. When PVCs occur, they cause the heart pound or feel as if it skipped one beat. If you experience only just a few episodes and there are no other symptoms the cardiologist will likely not prescribe treatment. If you have a lot of PVCs, your doctor may suggest you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor your heartbeat for a period of 24 hours. He or she may also suggest wearing a Holter monitor, which will record your heart rhythm over time, allowing you to see how many PVCs you have. People who have suffered a previous heart attack or cardiomyopathy – an illness that affects method by which the heart pumps blood – should take their PVCs very seriously and consult a cardiologist regarding lifestyle modifications. This includes abstaining from caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, reducing anxiety and stress, and getting enough rest. A cardiologist may also prescribe medication to slow heartbeat, such as a beta blocker. Even if there aren't any other indications however, you should have PVCs checked by an cardiologist if they occur frequently. These extra heartbeats may signal a problem with the structure of your heart or lungs, and if they occur frequently enough, it could weaken your heart muscle. Most people who suffer from PVCs do not have any problems. They simply want to be aware that the fluttering or racing heartbeats aren't normal. Diagnosis PVCs can feel like heartbeats that are fluttering particularly if they're frequent and intense. Patients who have a lot of them may feel they're about to faint. They can also happen with exercising, but most athletes who get them do not have any issues in their heart or health. PVCs may show up in tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor. These patches have sensors that record electrical impulses from your heart. A cardiologist may also perform an echocardiogram, which makes use of ultrasound to study the heart and see how it's working. Often, a doctor will be able to identify if a person is suffering from PVCs from a history and physical examination. However, sometimes they will only be able to detect them when they examine the patient for other reasons, for instance following an accident or surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitoring systems can also aid in detecting PVCs and other arrhythmias and can be used if there's any concern of a cardiac condition. If your cardiologist has determined that your heart is structurally healthy, reassurance may be all you need. If your symptoms are bothersome or cause you to feel anxious, avoiding alcohol, caffeine and over-the drug decongestants and reducing stress may aid. Getting regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, and drinking enough water can decrease the likelihood of PVCs. If you are experiencing symptoms that are persistent or extreme, consult your doctor about medication that could help manage these symptoms. Treatment If PVCs do not cause any symptoms or occur rarely they aren't usually in need of treatment. If they occur frequently your doctor may want to check for heart conditions or recommend lifestyle modifications. You may also undergo a procedure to get rid of them (called radiofrequency catheter ablation). If you have PVCs in your heart, the electrical signal which triggers your heartbeat starts somewhere different than the sinoatrial (SA) node that is located in the upper right-hand corner of your heart. This could cause it to feel like your heart skips beats or has extra beats. PVCs are more prevalent among people who suffer from heart issues however it's unclear what causes them. PVCs may increase in frequency as you age, and may be more frequent during exercise. A doctor should conduct an ECG as well as an echocardiogram for a patient who has frequent and painful PVCs to determine if there are structural heart problems. The doctor may also perform an exercise stress test in order to determine if the extra heartbeats are related to physical exercise. A heart catheterization or cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion studies can be conducted to determine other reasons for the additional beats. The majority of people who suffer from PVCs have no complications and can lead an ordinary life. They may increase the risk of heart rhythm disorders that can be dangerous particularly if they happen in certain patterns. In some cases, this means that the heart muscle becomes weaker and is unable to pump blood throughout your body. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can reduce your risk of developing PVCs. Avoid foods high in fat and sodium and limit your consumption of caffeine and tobacco. Sleep and stress are equally important. Repair My Windows And Doors can also increase the risk of getting PVCs. If you are taking one of these medications, it's important to follow the doctor's advice regarding eating healthy, exercising and taking your medication. In studies of patients suffering from PVC burdens that are high (more than 20% of heartbeats) there was a higher incidence of arrhythmia-induced myopathy in the heart was observed. This can result in the need for a transplant in certain people.