Premature Ventricular Contractions

This lesson includes an animated video lecture, downloadable images, quiz questions and a PDF

Premature ventricular contractions, PVCs, are premature heartbeats originating in one of the lower chambers of the heart, the ventricles. 

PVCs can result from a variety of factors and conditions, including:

- consumption of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco or drugs

- certain medications

- physical exercise, stress, or anything that increases adrenaline levels

- certain electrolyte deficiencies

- and damaged cardiac tissue caused by other heart diseases. 

PVCs are very common, but often produce no or few symptoms. When present, symptoms may include skipped heart beats, palpitations, and lightheadedness. 

In normal conduction, electrical impulses start in the SA node, depolarize the atria, then pass through the AV node to activate the ventricles. 

A PVC happens when the ventricles are activated prematurely, by an abnormal firing site, called ectopic site, located in one of the ventricles...

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