Pvc
PVC (Premature Ventricular Contraction)
Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC), pronounced /priːˈmætʃər vɛnˈtrɪkjʊlər kənˈtrækʃən/, is a relatively common event where the ventricle beats before it should in the cardiac cycle. The term originates from the Latin words "praematurus" meaning "before maturity" and "ventriculus" meaning "little belly", referring to the ventricles of the heart.
Causes
PVCs can be caused by a variety of factors including heart disease, high blood pressure, stress, and the use of certain stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. They can also occur in healthy individuals with no known heart disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PVCs can include feelings of a skipped or extra heartbeat, palpitations, or a fluttering sensation in the chest. However, many people with PVCs have no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis
PVCs are typically diagnosed through an electrocardiogram (ECG), which records the electrical activity of the heart. They can also be detected through Holter monitoring, a continuous recording of the heart's rhythm for 24 hours or more.
Treatment
Treatment for PVCs depends on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. If treatment is needed, it may include medications to control the heart rate or rhythm, or procedures such as catheter ablation to destroy the area of the heart causing the abnormal rhythm.
Related Terms
- Arrhythmia: A condition in which the heart beats with an irregular or abnormal rhythm.
- Cardiology: The study of the heart and its functions in health and disease.
- Electrophysiology: The study of the electrical properties of biological cells and tissues.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pvc
- Wikipedia's article - Pvc
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