Premature ventricular contractions are extra heartbeats that start in the ventricles. These extra beats are interruptions amid the normal, regular heart rhythm, resulting in fluttering or skipped beats. Usually, PVC is not a matter of concern for people who do not have heart disease and do not require any treatment. Here we will look into premature ventricular contractions causes.
What are the Causes of Premature Ventricular Contractions?
Premature ventricular contractions occur when the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) contract earlier than they are expected to. This causes an interruption in the usual heart rhythm. This early beat is what the patient feels beat when they say it feels as if the heart has skipped a beat. This extra beat is followed by a stronger heartbeat, resulting in a feeling of skipped beat or fluttering. It is to be noted that these extra beats do not pump blood throughout the body.
The causes of PVC, or the trigger factors, include:
- Medicines, such as decongestants
- High blood pressure
- Alcohol consumption
- Increased levels of adrenaline as a result of caffeine, exercise, or even anxiety
- Decreased levels of oxygen in the blood from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pneumonia
- Heart disease or scarring that disrupts the regular electrical signals of the heart
- Anaemia
- Misuse of tobacco
Conclusion
We have discussed the causes of PVC. It is believed that frequent occurrences or certain patterns of PVC can increase the chances of developing irregular heart rhythms. If you suffer from heart disease, you should not take the condition lightly and discuss it with your doctor immediately. Most importantly, purchase health insurance policy if you are yet to, as it will help you in times of medical emergencies.