Are premature heartbeats harmful, and what medications should be taken?

Feb 04, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xin
Introduction
In general, premature ventricular contractions may carry risks such as arrhythmia, impaired cardiac function, thrombus formation, angina pectoris, psychological effects, and reduced quality of life. Medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, spironolactone tablets, metoprolol tartrate tablets, Shensong Yangxin capsules, and diltiazem hydrochloride tablets may be taken as directed by a physician. It is recommended to use medications according to a doctor's advice following medical evaluation.

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) refer to premature heartbeats. In general, PVCs may carry risks such as arrhythmia, impaired cardiac function, thrombosis, angina pectoris, psychological effects, and reduced quality of life. Medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, spironolactone tablets, metoprolol tartrate tablets, Shensong Yangxin capsules, and diltiazem hydrochloride tablets may be taken under medical supervision. It is recommended to use medications based on a doctor's advice following medical evaluation. Detailed analysis is as follows:

  I. Risks

  1. Increased risk of arrhythmias

  Premature heartbeats may increase the risk of other arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular arrhythmias, especially in individuals with underlying heart disease.

  2. Impaired cardiac function

  Frequent or persistent premature heartbeats can disrupt the coordination between the ventricles, impairing the heart’s pumping ability and potentially leading to heart failure over time.

  3. Increased risk of thrombosis

  Premature heartbeats may cause uncoordinated ventricular activity, increasing the likelihood of blood stasis within the heart chambers, thereby raising the risk of clot formation and subsequent events such as stroke or other vascular complications.

  4. Worsening of angina pectoris

  In patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, premature heartbeats may trigger or exacerbate symptoms of angina, causing discomfort such as chest pain and tightness.

  5. Psychological impact and reduced quality of life

  Frequent premature heartbeats may lead to anxiety, stress, and emotional burden, negatively affecting quality of life and potentially contributing to sleep disturbances and other mental health issues.

  II. Medications

  1. Hydrochlorothiazide tablets

  Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that primarily reduces the body’s fluid and sodium load by increasing urine output. It helps lower blood volume and blood pressure, which may benefit patients with premature heartbeats and hypertension.

  2. Spironolactone tablets

  Spironolactone is a diuretic that works by inhibiting aldosterone secretion, thereby reducing sodium and water reabsorption. Its diuretic effect helps reduce cardiac workload and may aid in managing premature heartbeats.

  3. Metoprolol tartrate tablets

  Metoprolol tartrate is a beta-blocker that controls heart rate and blood pressure by blocking the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline, thus helping to manage certain types of arrhythmias.

  4. Shensong Yangxin capsules

  Shensong Yangxin capsule is a traditional Chinese medicine containing ginseng, dwarf lilyturf root, and dragon bone as main ingredients. It functions to tonify qi, nourish yin, promote blood circulation, and unblock meridians. This medication may help improve premature beats triggered by emotional stress.

  5. Diltiazem hydrochloride tablets

  Diltiazem hydrochloride is a vasoprotective agent commonly used to treat angina and hypertension. By modulating cardiac electrical signal transmission through inhibition of calcium channels, it helps regulate heart rate.

  In daily life, maintaining a regular作息 schedule contributes to better heart health.