Premature Ventricular Contractions or PVC is a type of arrhythmia in the heart. Arrhythmia is the general condition of having irregular or abnormal heartbeat. The type of arrhythmia is usually based on the origin of the heart. For PVC, the origin of premature heartbeats is from the ventricles of the heart.
The circulation of the blood in the body is mainly controlled by the heart. There are four chambers of the heart. The upper chambers called atria is where the blood first enters the heart. From the atria, the blood goes to the right ventricle. The blood from the right ventricles travels to the lungs where it is oxygenated. Oxygenated blood eventually goes back to the heart to the left ventricles before it is distributed all over the body.
The heartbeat or pulse we feel is due to the natural electric system in the heart the produces electric impulses. The specific part of the heart responsible for regulating the heartbeat is the sinoatrial node or SA node. When you experience PVC, there is an electric irritability that causes an electric discharge which results to a premature heartbeat.
How Can it Be Detected?
There are many factors that needs to be considered to be able to determine the cause of PVC. Usually, an ECG or electrocardiogram test is necessary to be able to pin point the pattern and cause of the abnormal heartbeat.
It is true that PVC is common but it does not mean that you should disregard having occasional irregular heartbeats. Despite being common, PVC and other forms of arrhythmia is highly associated with other health conditions such as heart diseases, thyroid problem, anxiety, stress, and others.
Immediate treatment of Premature ventricular contraction is difficult because of the numerous factors that cause it. Sometimes, even if you know the source, completely eliminating PVC may still be difficult. In most cases, PVC is only controlled but not eliminated.
To control PVC, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Before going to your physician, it would be better if you have a note on the details of your PVC. You can write down on paper how you describe the sensation and feeling of PVC. It is important to note how often and how long the irregular heartbeat occurs. You can also take note of your medical background and current medications that may contribute to your abnormal heartbeat.
Usually if your PVC is associated with stress and anxiety, you need to improve your emotional and physical health to prevent abnormal heartbeats. Proper rest and enough sleep are essential to our body. Depending on the doctor, you might be given medications to boost your energy.
If the PVC or abnormal heartbeat is associated with heart diseases, you will be advised to see a cardiologist. The diagnosis of PVC is very important for early treatment of heart disease. We all know that heart diseases such as cardiomyopathy, coronary heart diseases, heart attack, and others are the leading source of fatality in the world. Informing other people regarding the simple signs of heart disease such as irregular heartbeat can help lower its fatality number.
When the irregular heartbeat is caused by thyroid conditions, the medication will depend on the severity of the case. A change in lifestyle can make a big difference in lessening the symptoms of PVC.
Once you notice a more frequent irregular heartbeat, do not be afraid. Schedule a checkup to the doctor to find out the cause of your abnormal heartbeat. If there is no other health conditions associated with it, medication and treatment is not needed. Otherwise, the way to control PVC is by controlling its root or source.
I have a friend who has this and it seems that it is controlled well with medication. It was very scary when it first occurred because thought it was a heart attack. It seems that certain situations can trigger it.
My husband has PVC, but was not a candidate for a pacemaker or surgery. Instead they are controlling it by medication since he has many other conditions.