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Are extrasystoles dangerous?

Ventricular extrasystoles (Latin: extrasystolia ventricularis, also known as premature ventricular contractions) are a type of cardiac arrhythmia in which there is an abnormal premature contraction of the ventricle. This phenomenon can be harmless, but in some cases it can signal more serious heart disease.

It is a malfunction of the ventricles, the lower parts of the heart that pump blood to the lungs and throughout the body. However, symptoms are often felt in the chest area (pressure, pounding), but also from the spine and in the neck, head or abdomen (for example, as “sudden gasping” or “shooting pressure”).

 

Ventricular extrasystoles: symptoms

Ventricular extrasystole often occurs without symptoms, especially in young and otherwise healthy people. However, if it manifests itself (like atrial extrasystole at rest, which is a different type of arrhythmia), it may be:

  • A feeling of the heart "skipping" or an irregular heart rhythm
  • Palpitations
  • Short-term feelings of weakness, dizziness, or fatigue
  • Irregular pulses on heart rate measurements
  • Nausea or shortness of breath on exertion (in more serious cases)

Symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia often occur at rest or during rest, but can also occur if the psyche is disturbed (during stress) or physical exertion.

Hall extrasystole and what triggers it

Ventricular extrasystole - the causes of this arrhythmia can be different. The most common triggers are:

  • Lack of sleep and rest
  • Excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol
  • From nerve stress (stress and mental tension)
  • Smoking and stimulants (including some drugs)
  • Electrolyte disorders (e.g. low potassium or magnesium)
  • Heart disease - e.g. coronary artery disease or cardiomyopathy
  • Thyroid gland - disorders of its function (especially hyperthyroidism)


Why go to the doctor?

In the first place, it is important to rule out serious heart disease, such as ventricular fibrillation or atrial fibrillation. Subsequently:

  • To perform an ECG scan or 24-hour Holter monitoring
  • To determine the cause of the arrhythmia - for example, a metabolic, nervous system or endocrine disorder
  • To suggest the right therapy and lifestyle modification

Why choose us: extrasystoles for ECG

At ATODA Medical, we provide comprehensive care for the heart and blood vessels. Our cardiology Prague is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and our doctor and the entire medical team collaborate with experts in internal medicine, endocrinology and neurology. In addition, you can look forward to:

  • Fast appointment without unnecessary waiting
  • Individual approach and modern treatment methods
  • Possibility of consultation and discussion also online
  • Discretion and human approach
  • Expert ECG examination (ECG extrasystole examined), Holter, echocardiography

Do not underestimate an irregular heart rhythm or very frequent palpitations. Cardiac extrasystoles may not be dangerous, but it is important to be sure.

  • Call us
  • Make an appointment online using our form
  • Email us


What happens if you don't treat ventricular extrasystoles?

However, if their occurrence is frequent or they are associated with structural heart disease, they can be dangerous. Frequent extrasystoles - the symptoms can escalate and lead to greater difficulties outside the heart itself, for example in the form of fatigue, impaired exercise tolerance or unpleasant psychological states (restlessness, anxiety). Risks include:

  • Increased risk of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation
  • Chronic heart failure due to reduced heart pump performance
  • Seizure, loss of consciousness, sudden cardiac death (in extreme cases)
  • Impaired quality of life - chronic fatigue after meals or throughout the day, anxiety, limited physical activity

Don't wait for deterioration and make an appointment with our doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the development of serious complications.

Types of ventricular extrasystoles

There are several ways to classify extrasystoles:

  • Uniform (monomorphic) - extrasystoles of the same shape, usually less dangerous
  • Polymorphic - different shapes, often suggesting a more complex problem
  • Frequent (frequent) - if more than 10 per hour
  • Coplets, triplets - two or three extrasystoles in a row
  • Morning extrasystoles (R-on-T phenomenon) - potentially dangerous, can lead to serious arrhythmia
  • Bigeminy, trigeminy - every second or third heart contraction is an extrasystole


How are ventricular extrasystoles treated?

Ventricular extrasystoles - treatment depends on their frequency and origin:

  1. Lifestyle modification - limiting caffeine, alcohol, improving sleep, managing stress
  2. Dietary supplements/electrolytes - for example magnesium or potassium
  3. Beta-blockers or antiarrhythmics - if extrasystoles are frequent or burdensome
  4. Catheter ablation - targeted removal of the site of arrhythmia using a fine probe (for more severe cases)
Do you have a question? Or do you want to make an appointment? Contact us!
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