Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)

Diagnosis

Commonly the doctor will physically assess the patient, take the medical history and lifestyle, as well as listen to the heart sound to diagnose PVCs.

To properly diagnose PVCs the following tests are recommended:

• Blood test: measure your thyroid hormone and potassium levels.
• Cardiac MRI or CT scan: analyze the structure, performance, and blood flow of the heart.
• Coronary angiogram: show the blood vessels in the heart, and can be used to spot blood flow problems such blocked or constricted blood vessels.
• ECG or EKG: a rapid and painless examination to monitor the electrical activity of the heart that can identify the source and pattern of the additional beats. Electrodes are applied to the arms, legs, and the chest in the form of sticky patches. The electrodes are connected by wires to a computer, which shows if the heart is beating too quickly, too slowly, or not at all.

A typical ECG could miss PVCs if they don’t occur frequently. Your doctor could advise you to use a portable ECG machine at home to record more details about your heartbeats. These portable ECG are as follows:

• • Holter monitor: To record the heart’s activity during regular activities, this portable ECG can be worn for up to a day. A few personal gadgets, such as smartwatches, provide portable ECG monitoring.
  • Event monitor: This portable ECG is designed to be used for up to 30 days or until the patient experience an arrhythmia or symptoms. Whenever symptoms appear, patient typically click a button although some monitors immediately detect the abnormal heartbeats and begin recording.
• Cardiac stress test: An exercise stress measures the heart rate and blood flow of the heart. This test frequently involves using a treadmill or a stationary cycle while having an ECG taken. To find out if exercise causes the PVCs to activate.

Treatment

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are irregular heartbeats that usually don’t require therapy in people without cardiac disease. If you have heart disease (arrhythmias), PVCs can result in more severe heart rhythm problems. The underlying reason determines the course of treatment.

Lifestyle changes

Caffeine and cigarettes are two frequent PVC causes that can be avoided to diminish symptoms.

Managing the stress level and anxiety by developing coping mechanisms such as therapy or meditation and having at least 7 hours of sleep. Also consuming a balanced diet with whole grain, fruits, and vegetables to promote a healthy heart. Routine exercise, which might include stretching, weight training, and cardiovascular activity.

Medications

In order to lessen the premature contractions, blood pressure medicines may be used such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. If patients experience ventricular tachycardia, an irregular heartbeat that interferes with heart function, or persistent PVCs, the doctor might also recommend drugs to manage your heart rhythm.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation

In this treatment, a medical professional threads one or more catheters through an artery, typically in the groin, and directs them to the heart. In order to prevent irregular electrical signals and restore cardiac rhythm, sensors (electrodes) on the catheter’s tip, heat (radiofrequency) radiation is used to generate microscopic scars in the heart.