As a cardiac electrophysiologist at Temple Health, I see a lot of patients with a type of irregular heartbeat called premature ventricular contractions or complexes (PVCs). In many cases, PVCs aren’t dangerous to a patient’s health.
But living with a heart that’s skipping beats can be uncomfortable — and stressful. And that stress and anxiety can lead to a challenging cycle. That’s because stress initiates a “fight-or-flight” response, flooding the body with cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones. This anxiety can make the PVCs even more noticeable.
When I treat a patient with PVCs, I often encourage my patients to make certain lifestyle changes. Avoiding or reducing PVC triggers can mean fewer episodes of irregular heart rhythms. For many people, this includes managing stress and anxiety.
Managing PVCs effectively means understanding the condition and its symptoms, as well as learning coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety.
What are PVCs?
PVCs are extra heartbeats. Normally, the heart beats in a regular pattern, starting in the upper right chamber and moving through the rest of the heart to pump blood.
Sometimes, a heartbeat starts in the lower part of the heart instead, which creates an extra beat. That extra beat is a PVC.
A PVC can feel like your heart is fluttering, pounding or skipping beats. Everyone has these heart flutters at times. But I recommend that you see a healthcare provider if you have them often. Your cardiologist might start with an electrocardiogram to diagnose the problem. You may need to wear a portable EKG device temporarily and possibly undergo an echocardiogram to check the structure of your heart.
PVCs generally fall into three categories:
- Asymptomatic with no underlying heart disease – These can typically be observed without requiring treatment.
- Symptomatic PVCs – If PVCs cause noticeable symptoms, treatment may be needed to improve comfort and quality of life.
- Asymptomatic PVCs in individuals with heart disease – When PVCs are associated with underlying heart disease, treatment is often recommended to manage potential risks.
Treatment options for PVCs
Many of my patients without symptoms don’t need treatment for their PVCs unless they have an underlying heart condition. In that case, we may need to treat the PVCs to reduce the possibility of complications, like a weakening of the heart’s muscle.
For patients with symptomatic PVCs, I sometimes prescribe medications that slow the heart rate or regulate heartbeats.
Often, my patients with very frequent PVCs benefit from a minimally invasive procedure called cardiac ablation. That’s when we use a catheter with electrical energy to destroy a tiny area of heart tissue that is causing extra beats.
Managing PVCs
A good way to control their PVCs is to reduce triggers — things that set off or worsen symptoms. Two piece of advice I often start with are:
- If you drink caffeinated beverages or alcohol, consider quitting or cutting back.
- If you smoke, take the first step toward a healthier future for yourself by committing to a quit date. Temple’s Smoking Cessation Program can help you succeed.
Stress and anxiety are important PVC triggers too. And that’s a two-way street, because feeling your heart beat unusually can cause a lot of worry and concern.
Most of us can’t simply choose to avoid stress or anxiety, but we can take steps to manage them. That can help reduce a lot of symptoms— and cope with the emotional impact of PVCs on your life.
Here are six strategies I recommend:
1. Try a breathing exercise. When you start to feel anxious, try a basic breathing technique to calm your body and your mind. Count to four as you take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Now, count to eight as you slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat these steps until you start to feel relaxed.
2. Take time to disconnect. Life can be busy. It’s important to make time for things you enjoy, such as a hobby, reading, or listening to music.
3. Walk away from stress and anxiety. Take this one literally: Go for a short walk when you feel stress coming on. Physical activity causes the body to release mood-lifting chemicals like endorphins.
4. Get your ZZZs. Adequate sleep can help you feel rested and less stressed. I recommend seven to nine hours of sleep per night for most of my patients. For better sleep, keep your bedroom dark, cool, and free of screens like tablets and smartphones.
5. Find a good listener. Talking about your feelings with a friend, loved one, or other trusted person can help you feel heard and supported. And your stress and anxiety may seem easier to cope with.
6. Talk to your doctor. If your anxiety or stress feels overwhelming and is affecting your daily life, don’t hesitate to talk with your provider or a mental health counselor.
Experienced, compassionate care for PVCs
Temple’s Electrophysiology Program is home to electrophysiologists with decades of experience treating a wide array of heart rhythm disorders, from common to complex.
To make an appointment with a Temple cardiologist, please call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) or schedule an appointment online.
Helpful Resources
Looking for more information?
