Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Premature ventricular contraction (PVC), also known as ventricular premature beat (VPB) or extrasystole, is a form of irregular heartbeat in which the ventricle contracts prematurely. This may be perceived as a “skipped beat” or as palpitations. The depolarization of cardiac myocytes begins in the ventricle instead of the usual place, the sinoatrial node. PVCs can be a useful natural probe, since they induce Heart rate turbulence whose characteristics can be measured, and used to evaluate cardiac function.
PVCs are the most common form of arrhythmia, and can occur in both individuals with and without heart disease. They are common in the elderly,[1] and they can also occur in otherwise healthy athletes (e.g. in the days following a major effort such as a marathon). Estimates of the prevalence of PVCs vary greatly.
In children, PVCs occur less frequently than in adults, although healthy children are known to have episodes of PVC. In fact, on routine monitoring of children aged 10-13 years with a Holter monitor, about 20% of healthy boys had occurrences of PVC. In otherwise healthy newborns, PVCs will often resolve on their own by the 12th week of life, and almost never require treatment.
In people who work swing shifts and nights, studies have shown as high as 40% have PVCs. Most people over 40 years of age have PVCs whether they realize it or not.
• Heart attack;
• Increased levels of adrenaline, caused by caffeine, anxiety;
[tubepress mode=’tag’, tagValue=’Premature ventricular contraction’]