Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) and Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs) are common types of irregular heartbeats. PVCs originate in the lower pumping chambers of the heart, known as the ventricles, while PACs begin in the upper chambers, the atria. Both are essentially “extra” or “skipped” heartbeats that temporarily disrupt the heart’s regular rhythm. These occurrences are very common and are often considered harmless in individuals without underlying heart conditions.
Common Triggers from Daily Life
Everyday lifestyle factors can significantly influence the occurrence of PVCs and PACs. Consuming stimulants like caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can increase the heart’s excitability, leading to extra beats. Alcohol intake can also disrupt the heart’s electrical stability, contributing to these irregular rhythms. Similarly, nicotine, whether from smoking or vaping, acts as a stimulant that can provoke PVCs and PACs.
Stress and anxiety activate the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing hormones like adrenaline that can heighten heart rate and trigger premature contractions. Insufficient sleep can similarly disturb the body’s natural rhythms and stress the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to increased heart palpitations. Intense physical exertion, while generally beneficial, can sometimes also trigger PVCs or PACs in susceptible individuals due to elevated adrenaline levels.
Physiological Imbalances
Internal bodily imbalances can also play a role in the development of PVCs and PACs. Electrolyte imbalances, particularly low levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium, are known to affect the electrical stability of heart cells. These minerals are crucial for proper nerve and muscle function, including the heart’s rhythmic contractions. Dehydration, by altering the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance, can similarly induce heart rhythm disturbances.
Hormonal fluctuations represent another significant physiological factor. Thyroid disorders, especially hyperthyroidism, cause the thyroid gland to produce excessive hormones that can overstimulate the heart, leading to increased heart rate and premature beats. Even natural hormonal shifts, such as those experienced during menstrual cycles or menopause, can sometimes be associated with an increase in perceived heart palpitations.
Underlying Health Conditions
More serious medical conditions can also contribute to the presence of PVCs and PACs by stressing the heart or altering its electrical system. Cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease, which involves narrowed heart arteries, can impact blood flow to the heart muscle, making it more irritable. Heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, and high blood pressure (hypertension) place increased strain on the heart, potentially leading to electrical instability. Structural heart abnormalities, including valve problems or cardiomyopathy, can physically alter the heart’s chambers and electrical pathways, predisposing individuals to premature beats.
Beyond cardiac issues, certain non-cardiac conditions can also induce these arrhythmias. Anemia, characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, forces the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen, which can lead to increased heart rate and palpitations. Infections, especially those that cause fever or widespread inflammation, can stress the body and impact heart rhythm. Chronic lung diseases, by affecting oxygen levels in the blood, can also indirectly influence the heart’s electrical activity, potentially triggering PVCs and PACs.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications can sometimes cause or worsen PVCs and PACs as an unintended side effect. Over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, particularly decongestants containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, can stimulate the heart and nervous system. Asthma medications known as bronchodilators, which open airways, can also have systemic stimulant effects that impact heart rhythm. Appetite suppressants, designed to reduce hunger, often contain ingredients that can increase heart rate and trigger premature beats.
Some illicit drugs also pose a significant risk, as they can severely disrupt the heart’s electrical system, leading to various arrhythmias, including PVCs and PACs.