A pericardial effusion and its treatment depends on the cause.The pericardium is a thin sac that surrounds your heart and protects it within your chest cavity together with your ribcage. Normally it has a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant and protects your heart from rubbing against the surrounding tissues. An effusion occurs if there is more …
I get lightheaded when I have PVCs
Question: I’ve been having some lightheadedness with my PVC’s, and I passed out once. What should I do?
What type of surgery for arrhythmias can be done?
Some people have abnormal “spots” in the heart that may be the cause of ventricular arrhythmias. Such patients can sometimes be treated by removing or destroying that area of the heart. This is a very specialized area of medicine requiring cardiologists and/or cardiac surgeons with special expertise.
What medications are used for treatment of PVCs?
Beta-blockers (there are many of them) have been shown to cut down both on symptomatic PVC’s in some patients, as well as decrease the risk of sudden death in high-risk patients. In terms of treatment for the palpitations associated with PVC’s, they can often be quite effective but do have side effects which may require their discontinuation.
How can ventricular arrhythmias be treated?
The general principles of treatment of arrhythmias are: Correction of any underlying abnormalities, such as electrolyte imbalances, disorders of the thyroid, etc. Avoid stimulants or medications which may worsen the situation. Get enough sleep. Pursue an appropriate exercise program. Treat any underlying disorders of the heart appropriately. If the problem persists: Consider medications for selected cases. Some patients may benefit …
What sort of tests might be done to evaluate to evaluate PVCs and Tachycardias?
Tests of electrolyte levels, thyroid levels, and other blood tests are frequently done. An electrocardiogram is necessary to make the diagnosis of PVC’s. Since PVC’s don’t always occur when one is looking for them, several other means have been developed to assess the frequency and severity of the process in some cases. Holter monitors, “heart cards”, and “event monitors” may …