How Dangerous Are PVC and PAC Heart Palpitations?

This is my second article in a series, on the subject of common heart palpitations (irregular heartbeats that can be felt). See the first article in the series, HERE. I would hope to provide some comfort to those who experience these common cardiac arrhythmias but I would also recommend that a medical doctor be consulted for further reassurance, when one is experiencing an irregular heartbeat of any type. While most heart palpitations are benign (harmless) some can indicate a structural problem within the heart muscle that requires treatment.

Skips and Thumps

The heart rhythm occurrences called PVCs (Premature Ventricular Contractions) and PACs (Premature Atrial Contractions), which are felt by the one experiencing them, as a pause in the heartbeat, followed by a thump sensation in the chest, neck or abdomen, are very common. Due to the fact that they are experienced by such a large percent of the general population, huge numbers of posts regarding them can be found on heart-health medical forums online. In some cases, patients are warning their fellow-patients, about the risk these palpitations have for causing eventual heart failure or sudden death from cardiac arrest. This type of information does however need to be seasoned with some perspective, based on reliable medical information, so as not to be ambiguous regarding realistic risk factors.

Many PVC/PAC Patients Report Good Heart Health

According to information I found on reputable medical sources, regarding these common heart palpitations, heart disease is not the most common cause of PVCs/PACs. If that were the case, the estimated 50% of the general population, believed to have relatively frequent PVCs/PACs, would all be walking around with heart disease. I have seen literally 1,000s of posts by frequent PVC/PAC sufferers, whose cardiologists ruled out structural heart disease of any kind via complete workups (i.e. stress test/EKG and echocardiograms) and yet they experience these highly concerning pause-thumps, on a daily bases. Many relate having experienced them since their childhood and yet they were still given a clean bill of heart health in their 30s, 40s or 50s, by their cardiologists.

Palpitations and Cardiomyopathy

As far as cardiomyopathy goes (weakening of the heart muscle -- also called "heart failure"), PVCs/PACs should not place any more stress and wear on the heart than would normal activities that increase the heart rate (i.e. exercise, excitement and sex), because the premature beat that happens with PVCs/PACs, is simply that...a double-beat. This would be equal to two heartbeats that simply occur closer together.

People who do develop cardiomyopathy following years of constant PVCs/PACs, likely had a propensity or predisposition toward developing it and the palpitations were simply a contributing factor. I will add that in rare cases, it's possibly a direct cause of heart failure but likely far more of a possibility in senior age people and/or in those who already have serious co-morbid health problems. I base this on my search/research on many medical websites that specialize in heart health information.

I will include the link to a YouTube video by Dr. Stephen Sinatra, a Board Certified Cardiologist, at the bottom of this article, in which he states these facts, plus admits the he also experiences PVCs, as did many of his fellow students, which they discovered when they were studying for their medical credentials. He mentions "stress" in the video, as a preciptating factor for the occurance of these palpitations, occurring in students pursuing their educational degrees to practice professional medicine.

The Diagnotic Value of Common Irregular Heartbeats

Far too many reputable cardiologists are stating that their many years as practitioners in this field of specialty have shown that these irregular heartbeats are very common and very rarely pose a health-threat to otherwise healthy people (some cardiologists even call them "normal"). They add statements to this fact, saying to the effect that PVCs/PACs rarely have any diagnostic significance and many of these doctors admit to experiencing them their selves. Keep in mind that we are talking about irregular heart beats, rather than chronic arrhythmias (an ongoing rather than intermittent change in cardiac rhythm).

Stress and Anxiety: Major Triggers for Palpitations

I also want to add the fact, that people, who anticipate PVCs/PACs, due to their fear of them, are actually contributing to more of them (certainly not their fault but a natural response). Also, when one occurs, it tends to cause a quick surge of adrenaline in the body, due to the anxiety these palpitations may cause (fight or flight response) and this will instantly trigger succeeding PVCs/PACs, possibly several of them in a row. For this reason, people who are under chronic stress or anxiety can experience them with more frequency than do people who have other triggers for them (i.e. caffeine, following exercise or lack of sleep).

Cardiologist - Dr. Michael G. Kienzle, MD says this regarding PVCs:

" -- PVCs are common. In the vast majority of cases, they are of no prognostic significance and frequently go away on their own without any treatment beyond being reassured by your doctor."

While it is my hope that this article has provided a bit of comfort to those who may be experiencing these skips and jumps in their heart rhythm, I do want to again remind that any type of heart arrhythmia should be further evaluated by a qualified doctor, as a wise precaution.

Sources:

Dr. Stephen Sinatra: Board Certified Cardiologist (YouTube Video)

Cardiologist: Dr. Michael G. Kienzle, MD