Premature Ventricular Contraction
A premature ventricular contraction is an irregularity in the normal heart rhythm. These contractions are extra heartbeats that occur too early in the normal sequence. In most cases, these contractions are harmless and do not require treatment.
CAUSES
Premature ventricular contractions may occur without a known cause. In healthy people, the extra contractions may be caused by:
• Smoking.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Caffeine.
• Certain medicines.
• Some illegal drugs.
• Stress.
Changes in chemicals in the blood (electrolytes) can also sometimes cause premature ventricular contractions. They can also occur in people with heart diseases that cause a decrease in blood flow to the heart.
SIGNS AND …show more content…
During the exam, the health care provider will check for irregular heartbeats. Various tests may be done to help diagnose premature ventricular contractions. These tests may include:
• An ECG (electrocardiogram) to monitor the electrical activity of your heart.
• Holter monitor testing. A Holter monitor is a portable device that can monitor the electrical activity of your heart over longer periods of time.
• Stress tests to see how exercise affects your heart rhythm.
• Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce an image of your heart.
• Electrophysiology study. This is used to evaluate the electrical conduction system of your heart.
TREATMENT
Usually, no treatment is needed. You may be advised to avoid things that can trigger the premature contractions, such as caffeine or alcohol. Medicines are sometimes given if symptoms are severe or if the extra heartbeats are very frequent. Treatment may also be needed for an underlying cause of the contractions if one is found.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Make any lifestyle changes recommended by your health care provider. These may
A premature ventricular contraction is an irregularity in the normal heart rhythm. These contractions are extra heartbeats that occur too early in the normal sequence. In most cases, these contractions are harmless and do not require treatment.
CAUSES
Premature ventricular contractions may occur without a known cause. In healthy people, the extra contractions may be caused by:
• Smoking.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Caffeine.
• Certain medicines.
• Some illegal drugs.
• Stress.
Changes in chemicals in the blood (electrolytes) can also sometimes cause premature ventricular contractions. They can also occur in people with heart diseases that cause a decrease in blood flow to the heart.
SIGNS AND …show more content…
During the exam, the health care provider will check for irregular heartbeats. Various tests may be done to help diagnose premature ventricular contractions. These tests may include:
• An ECG (electrocardiogram) to monitor the electrical activity of your heart.
• Holter monitor testing. A Holter monitor is a portable device that can monitor the electrical activity of your heart over longer periods of time.
• Stress tests to see how exercise affects your heart rhythm.
• Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce an image of your heart.
• Electrophysiology study. This is used to evaluate the electrical conduction system of your heart.
TREATMENT
Usually, no treatment is needed. You may be advised to avoid things that can trigger the premature contractions, such as caffeine or alcohol. Medicines are sometimes given if symptoms are severe or if the extra heartbeats are very frequent. Treatment may also be needed for an underlying cause of the contractions if one is found.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
• Make any lifestyle changes recommended by your health care provider. These may