Hi everyone... This is my take on the condition...
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Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are irregular contractions that begin in the ventricles. These extra contractions usually beat sooner than the next regular heartbeat. And they often temporarily interrupt the normal order of circulation, which is atria first then ventricle. The result is an extra out-of-sequence.
Many people have PVCs. If you go to the doctor for this they may want you to wear a holter monitor to try and catch the PVCs if that is what they are. Also they may want to do blood tests to ensure you do not have an electrolyte imbalance or low potassium level for example which can cause heart beat irregularities. They may want to do an EKG or echocardiogram. Other tests they may want to do are exercise stress EKG and event recorder ECG.
Too much caffeine and other medications such as asthma medications can exacerbate Premature Ventricular Contractions (although due to new feelings amongst many, caffeine is not the cause). Increased adrenaline in the body due to exercise and anxiety can cause PVCs.
Above are some of the basic tests they can do. I still have PVCs from time to time. Most of the time they been due to a low potassium level and now I am on potassium supplements. I very rarely experience them now at all.
Most people with premature ventricular contractions and an otherwise normal heart will not need treatment. Occasionally if you have frequent troublesome symptoms, you may be offered treatment to help alleviate the stress, but PVCs are typically not harmful.
In some cases, if you have underlying heart conditions that could lead to more serious rhythm problems, you may need to make efforts to avoid things that trigger PVCs such as caffeine and maybe take medications.
Sometimes medications are prescribed: Beta blockers, which are often used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease can suppress premature ventricular contractions. Other medications such as calcium channel blockers or anti-arrhythmic drugs may also be used if you have ventricular tachycardia or very frequent premature ventricular contractions that impair the function of your heart causing relentless symptoms.
If you have very frequent PVCs associated with underlying heart disease and periods of ventricular tachycardia, your doctor might recommend other treatment.