Why It's Important to See a Doctor
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a form of irregular heartbeat. These extra beats are generally not dangerous and can go away by themselves.
Doctors will listen to your heartbeat, and check other vitals indicators. They may order a Holter Monitor which records the electrical impulses of your heart over a time of 24 to 48 hours. They may also request blood tests to determine the levels of electrolytes and thyroid hormones.
Diagnosis
PVCs are caused by electrical impulses from the heart's lower chambers, or ventricles, misfire through a structure referred to as the SA node. This causes the next heartbeat to delay, which can cause an experience similar to racing or skipped beats. PVCs can be seen in one pattern or repeated patterns. Two consecutive PVCs are known as doublets. Three or more consecutive PVCs constitute the condition known as ventricular Tachycardia (VT).
Some people have no symptoms, but others experience palpitations. This can feel like a pounding heartbeat or a skipping heartbeat. Other symptoms are dizziness, fatigue or a feeling that you're unwell.
Many people who have occasional PVCs don't require any treatment. If someone is experiencing frequent episodes, doctors could suggest a change to the way of life or diet including a reduction in caffeine, alcohol and stress. They may also prescribe medication, such as calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers that can reduce the heart rate and lower blood pressure.
Doctors will inquire about their medical history and conduct an examination to assess their general health. They may also use an electrocardiogram (ECG) to get a snapshot of the heart's electrical activity or a Holter monitor which is worn for longer time periods and monitors the heart's rhythms over time. In certain instances, doctors may order blood tests to look for an electrolyte imbalance or toxic effects from drugs.
A pvc doctor might refer a patient to an electrophysiologist, or a specialist in heart rhythm disorders for further evaluation. This doctor can confirm the diagnosis of PVCs and determine if they are malignant or benign.
PVCs are fairly frequent and usually don't cause any problems unless they happen frequently over a long time. This could lead to a weakening of the heart muscle, or a condition referred to as pvc-induced cardiomyopathy. This is most prevalent in people who are older, or those who have some form of heart disease. It can also occur in healthy people with an uninvolved heart, however this is more likely for those who exercise regularly. Usually, this isn't an issue to worry about however it is crucial to speak with a doctor if you notice symptoms such as fainting or fatigue.
Treatment
PVCs aren't harmful or cause any symptoms in the majority of people. They do not require treatment. If you notice that your heart is racing or slurring a beat, it's best to see a doctor right away.
A cardiologist will start by conducting an interview and then perform a an examination of your body, monitoring your heart using the stethoscope to look for irregular beats. You'll also undergo an electrocardiogram that captures the electrical impulses of your heart to determine any arrhythmias. If an arrhythmia has been discovered then an portable ECG or 24-hour Holter monitor is required to capture the abnormal rhythm for longer periods of time. These devices will assist doctors determine if you suffer from PVCs and the underlying cause for them, such as an electrolyte imbalance, drug toxicities, or any other cause.
You might be required to undergo an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of your heart) to determine the health of your heart is in good order and to look for structural issues that could cause PVCs. You could also be required to undergo an exercise test to determine the response of your heart to exercise. Physical activity can increase the frequency of pvcs. You can also have blood tests to check your thyroid hormone and magnesium, potassium and other hormones to see whether they're low. This could cause PVCs.
If your doctor has confirmed that you suffer from PVCs and has ruled any serious illnesses out, the treatment option you choose will depend on how they affect your life and how often they occur. If they happen only infrequently and do not cause any symptoms the doctor is not likely to prescribe any medication to decrease their frequency or severity.
If you are experiencing frequent PVCs, which can cause palpitations or other symptoms such as feeling light-headed or fainting, your doctor might prescribe medications like beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Changes in lifestyle, like avoiding caffeine, smoking and stress, can reduce the frequency of these abnormal pulses.
Prevention
PVCs can cause no symptoms or heart palpitations which can feel like "skipped beats" or flutterings in the chest. These episodes can create an feeling of pressure or fullness or they can make you feel faint. These episodes are caused by the heart not pumping as well as it should. PVCs are associated with an increased risk of dilated cardiomyopathy. This is a condition in which the heart gets larger and unable to pump blood.
PVCs are usually caused by changes in body chemistry. They can be caused by the release of adrenaline and thyroid hormones, and drinking caffeine or alcohol. Inactivity can also trigger these episodes, as can stress or excess weight.
Certain people find that altering their diet can help reduce PVCs. For example, they can avoid foods which contain preservatives that could cause a disturbance in the heartbeat, for example disodium guanylate (E621) disodium inosinate (E627), and diazole sodium (E282-283). They can also consume more fruits and vegetables to ensure that they get sufficient magnesium and potassium.
Regular health checks are essential and include annual physicals. These tests can help identify any underlying heart conditions that could be the cause of your PVCs. Also, you should avoid smoking and follow a healthy diet program. This can increase the frequency of episodes.
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Signs and symptoms
If you feel like your heart is racing or fluttering, it may be due to premature ventricular contractions. These arrhythmias aren't necessarily dangerous or they may be a sign of serious heart issues.
In healthy individuals, PVCs that occur occasionally are not an issue. They usually disappear by themselves. If you've got a lot of them, it can cause dizziness or weakening. If you're worried you might be experiencing dizziness or weakness, talk to your doctor about the symptoms. They may have to identify the issue by taking an history of your medical condition and giving you a physical exam. They may also perform an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or other tests.
An ECG is a test that's quick that will allow your doctor to observe the signal generated by your heartbeat as it moves through your heart for the course of a brief time. The test will determine if you have PVCs. Your doctor may also decide to do a 24- or 48-hour Holter monitor which monitors your heartbeat for longer durations of time. These can help differentiate PVCs from other types of arrhythmias that cause heart palpitations. You can also wear an event monitor, which is a portable device which tracks your heart's rhythm over 30 days.
Other tests for the heart may be required, depending on the cause of your PVCs. For instance a cardiologist could check your blood pressure and perform an ultrasound of your heart (echocardiogram). These can help find if you have a condition that is causing your PVCs, such as mitral valve prolapse, cardiomyopathy or heart failure.
Your doctor might also need to conduct a blood test to see what's wrong in your electrolytes, for example, low potassium levels or high levels of calcium. This could be a sign that you suffer from PVCs or a different problem such as anemia, or anxiety disorders.
You might be directed to an electrophysiologist, one of the specialists who specialize in treating abnormal heart rhythms. If you suffer from heart disease that is structural the specialist may have to do other tests, such as an MRI or CT scan of your chest. These tests can determine whether you've damaged your heart and how serious it is. In certain cases, a specialist may recommend a pacemaker to treat the condition which is causing the PVCs.