![[PukiWiki]](image/pukiwiki.png "[PukiWiki]")
|
How a VC Can Affect Your Heart
The rhythm of your heart is usually controlled by a group of fibers located in the upper right-hand part of your heart. This is called the sinoatrial nerve, or SA. Electrical signals are transmitted from there to the lower chambers of your heart or ventricles. Causes PVCs happen by the electrical impulse that normally triggers your heartbeat at the Sinus Node (also known as the Sinoatrial or SA node) is not initiated. The impulse actually begins in the ventricles and causes an untimed heartbeat. These extra beats are also known as ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. It may feel like the heart skipped a beat or feels fluttering. They can happen infrequently and not cause any symptoms, but they can be frequent enough to impact your quality of life. If they are very frequent or cause weakness, dizziness or fatigue, your doctor may treat them with medicine. PVCs are generally harmless and do not increase the risk of heart disease. Regular PVCs, however, can weaken the heart muscle over time. This is particularly true if the PVCs are caused by an illness like dilated Cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic right ventricle cardiomyopathy that can lead to heart failure. The signs of PVCs include feeling like your heart beats slower or flutters, and you may feel breathless. The fluttering could be more evident when you exercise or consume certain drinks or food items. PVCs are more prevalent in those suffering from chronic stress or anxiety. https://minecraftathome.com/minecrafthome/show_user.php?userid=18781964 , like digoxin, amiodarone or cocaine, can also increase the risk. If you experience occasional PVCs your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and medications. If they are a regular occurrence, you may need to avoid some foods and beverages, such as alcohol and caffeine. You can also lower stress by taking enough rest and working out. If you've got a lot of PVCs, your doctor may suggest a medical procedure called radiofrequency catheter ablation, which eliminates the cells responsible for them. This procedure is performed by a specialist called an electrophysiologist. It is typically effective in treating PVCs and reducing symptoms however it does not stop them from recurring in the future. In certain cases it can increase your risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) which could lead to stroke. It's not common, but it can be life-threatening. Symptoms Premature ventricular contractures or PVCs may cause your heart to skip or to flutter. These extra heartbeats are harmless, but you may need to see your doctor when they occur frequently or if you are experiencing symptoms like dizziness or fatigue. Normally, electrical signals start in the sinoatrial node which is in the top right portion of the heart. These signals move down to the lower chambers (or ventricles) that pump blood. The ventricles then contract to propel blood into your lungs, and return to the heart to begin the next pumping cycle. A PVC starts in a different location, the Purkinje fibres bundle at the bottom left of the heart. When PVCs occur, they cause the heart beat or feel as if it skipped one beat. If you have only a few episodes, but no other symptoms, your doctor probably won't be able to treat you. If you have many PVCs and your doctor might suggest that you undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure the heartbeat for 24 hours. The doctor may also recommend wearing a Holter monitor that records your heart rhythm over time to see the number of PVCs you have. Anyone who has suffered a previous heart attack or have suffered from cardiomyopathy - an illness that affects heart's blood flow - should take their PVCs very seriously and consult an expert in cardiology about lifestyle modifications. This includes avoiding alcohol, caffeine and smoking, reducing stress and anxiety, and getting enough rest. A cardiologist may prescribe beta blockers to slow the heartbeat. If you experience frequent PVCs even if do not have any other symptoms you should see an expert in cardiology. These extra heartbeats may signal a problem with the structure of your heart or lungs, and if they occur frequently enough, can weaken the heart muscle. But the majority of people suffering from PVCs don't experience any problems. They want to know if the fluttering heartbeats or skipping heartbeats is normal. Diagnosis PVCs can be akin to heartbeats that flutter, especially if they are frequent and intense. Patients who have a lot of them might feel like they're going to faint. They can also happen with training, even though many athletes who get them don't have issues with their heart or health. PVCs can be detected in tests like an electrocardiogram, or Holter monitor. They use sticky patches with sensors on them to record electrical impulses coming from your heart. A cardiologist could also employ an echocardiogram that uses ultrasound to examine the heart and determine how it's working. A doctor is often able to tell if a patient has PVCs by conducting a thorough examination and taking a medical history. Sometimes however, they might only be able to detect PVCs when they examine patients for a different reason, such as after an accident or a surgery. Ambulatory ECG monitors are able to detect PVCs, as well as other arrhythmias. They may be used to detect heart disease in the event of any concern. If your cardiologist determines your heart is structurally healthy, reassurance may be all you need. If your symptoms are troubling or make you feel anxious, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and over-the-counter decongestants and reducing stress can aid. Getting regular exercise, staying at a healthy weight, and drinking enough water can decrease the likelihood of PVCs. If your symptoms persist or severe, speak to your physician about the medications that could help control the symptoms. Treatment If PVCs are rare or don't cause symptoms, they do not usually require treatment. If you have them often and frequently, your doctor might want to examine for any other heart problems and recommend lifestyle changes or medications. You may also undergo an operation to rid yourself of them (called radiofrequency catheter ablation). If you suffer from PVCs in your heart, the electrical signal which causes your heartbeat begins somewhere different than the sinoatrial (SA) node located in the upper right-hand corner of your heart. This can make it feel like your heart skips a beat or has a few extra beats. It's unclear what causes these symptoms, but they're common in people who have other heart problems. PVCs are more frequent as we age and can occur more frequently during exercise. If a patient is experiencing frequent and painful PVCs doctors should perform an ECG and an echocardiogram to rule out heart disease that is structural. The doctor will also conduct an exercise stress test to determine if the extra heartbeats are caused by physical exercise. A heart catheterization, cardiac MRI or nuclear perfusion study can be done to look for other reasons for the increased beats. Most people who suffer from PVCs do not suffer from any problems and can enjoy an ordinary life. They can increase the risk of heart rhythm disorders that can be dangerous particularly if they develop in certain patterns. In some cases, this means that the heart muscle becomes weaker and it is more difficult to pump blood throughout your body. A healthy and balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce your chances of developing PVCs. You should avoid foods that are high in sodium and fat and restrict your intake of tobacco and caffeine. It is also important to sleep enough and manage stress. Certain medicines can also increase the risk of getting PVCs. If you are taking any of these medicines it is essential that you follow your doctor's recommendations regarding eating a healthy diet and exercising as well as taking your medication. Studies of patients with an excessive amount of PVCs (that's more than 20 percent of their total heart beats) found that they had a higher incidence of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. This can lead to a need for a heart transplant in some people. |
