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Extrasystoles are irregular heartbeats caused by premature contractions in the ventricles. They can be caused by various factors and may not cause symptoms, but severe cases can lead to chest pains, trouble breathing, and other dangerous symptoms. Diagnosis involves physical exams, blood tests, and electrocardiograms. Treatment includes medications to regulate heart activity and lifestyle changes.
An extrasystole is a type of irregular heartbeat. It occurs when the lower chambers of the heart called the ventricles contract earlier than they should in a normal heart rhythm. The premature contraction is followed by a short pause and then a rapid beating of the rest of the heart. Minor extrasystoles are quite common and usually cause no symptoms, although a very pronounced extrasystole can lead to palpitations, chest pains, trouble breathing, and other dangerous symptoms. Treatment typically consists of taking daily medications to regulate heart activity and control other underlying conditions.
A heartbeat cycle is usually triggered by an electrical signal from the sinus node, located in the right ventricle. In the event of an extrasystole, the cells of the ventricles emit their electrical signals to initiate a beat, while the sinus node remains silent. Many different factors can contribute to electrical abnormalities in the heart, including birth defects, heart disease, thyroid disorders, trauma, and extreme stress. People may be at higher risk if they smoke, drink alcohol, and use stimulant drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. In some cases, no underlying cause or risk factor can be detected.
Symptoms of extrasystoles may be related to the heartbeat problem itself or more closely related to the underlying cause. In most cases, people don’t notice changes in the way their hearts beat. Some patients feel that their heart is skipping beats or going too slow. Other symptoms may include sharp chest pains, hyperventilation, dizziness, fatigue, and possibly fainting.
Doctors perform a series of diagnostic tests whenever they suspect extrasystoles. A physical exam can allow your doctor to feel and feel your abnormal heartbeat. Blood tests are important to check for high cholesterol, infections, toxins, and chemical imbalances. An electrocardiogram, a test of the electrical activity in the heart, is perhaps the most important diagnostic tool. It allows doctors to see exactly how and where abnormal contractions are occurring and how threatening they appear to be.
A patient experiencing severe symptoms may need to be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous oxygen and medication. Drugs called antiarrhythmics are often given to stabilize electrical activity in the sinus node and block signals from the ventricles. Once patients are stable, they are usually prescribed medications to take daily at home and educated to make major lifestyle changes. Exercising regularly, eating smart, and avoiding drugs and tobacco are essential for long-term heart health after an extrasystolic shock.
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