Premature Ventricular Contractions
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that begin in one of your heart's two lower pumping chambers (ventricles). These extra beats disrupt your regular heart rhythm. They are a type of heart arrhythmia. If you have occasional premature ventricular contractions, but you're otherwise healthy, there's probably no reason for concern, and no need for treatment. If you have frequent premature ventricular contractions or underlying heart disease, you might need treatment.
Causes of Premature Ventricular Contractions
Although the exact cause is unknown, certain traits, conditions, or habits may raise your risk for this condition. These are known as risk factors and include:
Modifiable Risk Factors: These factors can be modified, treated or controlled through medications or lifestyle changes.
- High blood pressure
- History of cigarette smoking and/or drug abuse.
- Excessive amounts of alcohol consumption over the years.
- Excessive amount of caffeine or other stimulants.
- Little to no physical activity.
- Extreme levels of anxiety.
Other conditions that contribute to the development of PVCs:
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Heart valve disease
- Heart failure
- Congenital heart disease
- Injury to the heart muscle
Symptoms of Premature Ventricular Contractions
Premature ventricular contractions often cause few or no symptoms. But you might feel an odd sensation in your chest, such as:
- Fluttering
- Skipped heartbeats or missed heartbeats
- Increased awareness of your heartbeat
- Heart palpitations
Diagnosis of Premature Ventricular Contractions
Typically, your doctor will perform the following diagnostic tests and procedures:
Treatment of Premature Ventricular Contractions
For most people, PVCs with an otherwise normal heart won't need treatment. However, if you have frequent PVCs, your doctor might recommend treatment. Treatment options include:
Lifestyle Changes
- Avoid smoking.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet.
- Exercise under directions from your doctor.
- If you're overweight, talk to your doctor about weight-loss options.
- Limit alcohol consumption to 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.
- Manage stress.
- Make and keep appointments to see your doctor for routine check-ups and follow-up tests.
Medications
- Anti-arrhythmic medications will help control your heart’s rhythm.
- Anticoagulants “blood-thinners” will help treat, prevent and reduce blood clots.
- Beta blockers will help reduce your blood pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers will help relax blood vessels and increase the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart while also reducing the heart's workload.