Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that can disrupt the heart’s regular rhythm. This article explores the connection between COVID-19 infection and PVCs, a common concern for many recovering from the virus.
Understanding PVCs
PVCs are additional heartbeats arising from the ventricles, the heart’s lower pumping chambers. Individuals might perceive these as a “skipped” beat, a fluttering sensation, or a strong thumping in the chest. While unsettling, PVCs are often harmless and do not indicate a serious underlying heart condition.
Many factors unrelated to viral infections can trigger PVCs. Common lifestyle triggers include emotional stress, anxiety, and insufficient sleep. Stimulants like caffeine and alcohol can also increase their frequency. Certain over-the-counter medications, such as those for colds or allergies, may also contribute to PVCs.
COVID-19’s Impact on Heart Rhythm
COVID-19 infection can impact heart rhythm, leading to arrhythmias like PVCs. The virus can trigger these disturbances through several mechanisms. A primary factor is the body’s inflammatory response to the infection, often called a “cytokine storm.” This intense reaction releases molecules affecting the heart’s electrical activity, increasing arrhythmia risk.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus can also directly affect heart muscle cells, potentially disrupting the heart’s electrical system and causing abnormal impulses that manifest as PVCs. Physiological and psychological stress from severe COVID-19 can induce or worsen arrhythmias. Conditions like low oxygen levels (hypoxia) and fever, common with COVID-19, can also disturb the heart’s ion channels and calcium handling, contributing to a higher likelihood of PVCs.
PVCs can emerge during acute COVID-19 infection or persist as part of post-COVID conditions, sometimes called “long COVID.” Studies show PVCs were the most frequent abnormality recorded in some post-COVID patients, with one study reporting them in 18%. The prevalence of arrhythmias, including PVCs, can range from 6.9% in mild cases to 44% in severe COVID-19.
The severity and frequency of PVCs vary among individuals, and specific mechanisms are still under investigation. Patients with a history of heart conditions, older adults, and those requiring oxygen support may face a higher risk of developing PVCs. Ongoing research aims to further clarify these links and develop effective strategies for managing cardiac issues following COVID-19.
When to Consult a Doctor
Seek medical attention if you experience PVCs, especially after a COVID-19 infection. Consult a healthcare professional if PVCs are frequent, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include dizziness, lightheadedness, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
Fainting or near-fainting episodes also warrant immediate medical evaluation. Any new or worsening cardiac symptoms following a COVID-19 infection should prompt a discussion with your doctor. Your doctor can diagnose the cause of your PVCs and determine if intervention or further investigation is necessary.
Managing PVCs After COVID-19
Managing PVCs, whether related to COVID-19 or other causes, involves lifestyle adjustments and, in some cases, medical interventions. Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco intake can help decrease PVC frequency. Adequate hydration and sufficient sleep also contribute to overall heart health and may lessen PVC occurrences.
Stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can reduce PVCs, as stress is a known trigger. If PVCs are bothersome or associated with underlying cardiac issues, a doctor might consider medications to regulate heart rhythm. Any management plan should be personalized and developed with a healthcare professional’s guidance.