Premature ventricular contraction
Premature Ventricular Contraction
Premature ventricular contraction (PVC), pronounced as /priːˈmeɪtʃər vɛnˈtrɪkjʊlər kənˈtrækʃən/, is a relatively common event where the cardiac ventricles contract earlier than they normally would in a cardiac cycle.
Etymology
The term "Premature ventricular contraction" is derived from the Latin words "praematurus" meaning "early", "ventriculus" meaning "little belly" or "cavity", and "contractio" meaning "a drawing together".
Definition
A PVC is an extra heartbeat that begins in the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. This disrupts the regular heart rhythm, often causing a sensation of a skipped beat or a fluttering in the chest.
Causes
PVCs can be caused by a variety of factors including heart disease, injury to the heart, certain medications, caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. Stress and exercise can also trigger PVCs.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PVCs can include feeling a fluttering in the chest, a feeling of skipped heartbeats, or a pounding or jumping sensation in the chest. However, some people may not experience any symptoms at all.
Treatment
Treatment for PVCs depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. If PVCs are caused by heart disease or other medical conditions, treating the underlying condition may help reduce the frequency of PVCs. Medications may also be used to control the heart rhythm.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Premature ventricular contraction
- Wikipedia's article - Premature ventricular contraction
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