What is cardiac premature contraction, and what are its potential risks?

Generally speaking, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) may be caused by factors such as negative emotions, hyperthyroidism, myocarditis, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, and rheumatic heart disease. Potential risks include disruption of daily life, impaired myocardial function, induction of arrhythmias, triggering of angina pectoris, and progression to heart failure. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. The following is a detailed analysis:

I. Causes

1. Negative emotions: Prolonged emotional stress or anxiety may lead to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, resulting in cardiac premature beats. In such cases, the PVCs are usually temporary and may resolve spontaneously once emotional stability is restored or stress is reduced, so excessive concern is generally unnecessary.

2. Hyperthyroidism: This condition may be associated with improper diet and emotional disturbances. Once developed, it can affect the heart and lead to arrhythmias including premature beats, often accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, excessive sweating, and weight loss. Patients are advised to take medications such as propylthiouracil tablets, carbimazole tablets, and metoprolol tartrate tablets as prescribed by their doctor.

3. Myocarditis: Myocarditis refers to inflammation of the myocardium, which may be triggered by unhealthy dietary habits, fungal infections, or other factors. The inflammation damages myocardial cells and causes electrical activity abnormalities, leading to premature beats. Besides PVCs, patients may also experience fever and shortness of breath. Treatment may include coenzyme Q10 tablets, ganciclovir for injection, and dexamethasone acetate tablets, as directed by a physician.

4. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease: Risk factors include hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, all of which can lead to narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, resulting in insufficient blood supply to the myocardium. Symptoms may include palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath; PVCs may be one manifestation. Patients are advised to take medications such as simvastatin dispersible tablets, atorvastatin calcium tablets, and isosorbide nitrate tablets as prescribed.

5. Rheumatic Heart Disease: This is caused by rheumatic fever leading to valvular damage, primarily affecting the mitral and aortic valves. Valve abnormalities alter cardiac structure and function, potentially causing premature beats. Symptoms may include dyspnea, cough, and hemoptysis. Recommended treatments include penicillin V potassium tablets, bisoprolol fumarate tablets, and warfarin sodium tablets, used according to medical advice.

II. Risks and Complications

1. Disruption of normal life: Premature beats may reduce cardiac blood supply, causing symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, thereby interfering with daily activities and work performance.

2. Impaired myocardial function: PVCs, especially those caused by myocarditis, may damage myocardial function, leading to palpitations and shortness of breath, and impairing the heart's normal pumping ability.

3. Induction of arrhythmias: Premature beats themselves are a form of arrhythmia. In severe cases, they may trigger more serious arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, which can be life-threatening.

4. Triggering of angina pectoris: PVCs may cause myocardial ischemia, leading to chest pain and tightness. In severe cases, this may progress to angina pectoris, endangering heart health.

5. Progression to heart failure: Long-standing premature beats may increase cardiac workload and gradually weaken myocardial function, potentially progressing to heart failure, significantly affecting quality of life.

In daily life, patients are advised to drink plenty of warm water, ensure adequate sleep, and maintain good hydration, all of which are beneficial to overall health.