The heart operates through a precise electrical system, orchestrating a rhythmic sequence of contractions that pump blood throughout the body. Normally, this rhythm is steady and predictable, ensuring efficient circulation. Sometimes, however, an extra heartbeat can interrupt this regular pattern. One common type of such irregularity is known as a Premature Ventricular Contraction, often referred to as a PVC.
What Are PVCs?
A Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) is an extra heartbeat originating in the heart’s lower chambers, the ventricles. Instead of the typical electrical signal starting in the upper chambers and traveling downward, a PVC arises prematurely from within the ventricles. This causes the ventricles to contract before fully filling with blood, disrupting the heart’s normal electrical sequence.
Normally, the heart’s electrical impulse begins in the upper chambers and follows a specific pathway to the ventricles. A PVC bypasses this standard pathway, creating an early and less effective contraction. This premature beat is followed by a brief pause as the heart resets before the next regular beat occurs.
What Do PVCs Feel Like?
The sensation of a PVC varies significantly; some people remain completely unaware of their occurrence. For those who perceive them, common descriptions include a “skipped beat” feeling in the chest, as if the heart momentarily paused. This pause is followed by a stronger, more forceful beat as the heart compensates for the missed pump.
Other reported sensations include a fluttering or “flip-flop” feeling, a pounding sensation, or a brief jolt. These feelings are brief and localized to the chest area. The perception of these irregular beats is highly subjective and does not always correlate with their frequency or underlying significance.
Why Do PVCs Occur?
Premature Ventricular Contractions can arise from various factors, including lifestyle and underlying health conditions. Common triggers include stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which can increase the heart’s excitability. Stress, anxiety, and lack of adequate sleep are associated with an increased occurrence of PVCs.
Certain medications, particularly over-the-counter decongestants, can also contribute to these extra beats. Beyond lifestyle, underlying medical conditions like electrolyte imbalances can disrupt the heart’s electrical stability. Thyroid disorders, anemia, and high blood pressure are additional health issues that may lead to PVCs. In many instances, PVCs occur without any identifiable cause, even in otherwise healthy individuals.
When to Seek Medical Attention and Next Steps
While isolated PVCs are benign in individuals with healthy hearts, their presence can signal a need for medical evaluation. If PVCs become frequent, worsen, or are accompanied by concerning symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, or fainting, seek medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying heart condition or that the PVCs are impacting the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
A healthcare provider will begin by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination. An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is performed to record the heart’s electrical activity. If PVCs are infrequent, a Holter monitor, a portable device worn for 24 to 48 hours, may be used to continuously record heart rhythms.
Management strategies vary depending on the frequency of PVCs, symptoms, and any underlying heart conditions. Lifestyle modifications, such as reducing stimulant intake and managing stress, are recommended. Addressing identified underlying conditions, like electrolyte imbalances or thyroid issues, can also help. In rare cases where PVCs are severe, highly symptomatic, or linked to structural heart disease, medication or specific procedures may be considered to restore a regular rhythm.