What is a heart PAC and PVC?
Premature contractions that occur in the upper chambers of your heart are called premature atrial contractions (PACs). Premature contractions that occur in the lower chambers of your heart are called premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).
Are heart PVCs serious?
If you have normal heart function, PVCs are typically nothing to worry about. But for those with frequent PVCs or an underlying heart condition, such as congenital heart disease, PVCs can lead to cardiomyopathy (a weakened heart muscle) or a more severe type of arrhythmia.
How do you treat PVC and PAC?
Treatment
- Lifestyle changes. Eliminating common PVC triggers — such as caffeine or tobacco — may reduce the number of extra beats and lessen symptoms.
- Medications. Blood pressure medications may be prescribed to reduce the premature contractions.
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation.
Why do I have PACs and PVCs?
Premature atrial contractions (PAC) result from premature electrical activation originating in the upper chambers (the atria) of your heart. Premature ventricular contractions (PVC) result from premature electrical activation originating in the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of your heart.
Can you live a normal life with PVCs?
In general even those with fairly frequent PVC’s who have had underlying heart disease ruled out can be reassured and likely have a good prognosis.
How do you treat PACs?
Premature atrial contractions usually don’t need treatment. They start in your heart’s upper chambers and can give you the feeling of an extra or skipped heartbeat. You should contact your provider if your premature atrial contractions start happening more often.
Can you live a long life with PVCs?
Do PVCs ever go away?
In people who have healthy hearts, occasional PVCs are nothing to worry about. They usually go away on their own. They don’t need treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have other symptoms along with PVCs, such as dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.
Do PACs ever go away?
Usually the cause is unknown, and these PACs often go away on their own. However, sometimes PACs can be a result of disease or injury to the heart.
Can PVC cause sudden death?
A premature ventricular complex (PVC) is an early depolarization of ventricular myocardium. PVCs are common findings on electrocardiography (ECG) in the general population and are associated with structural heart disease and increased risk of sudden cardiac death.