Proven Treatment: Catheter Ablation for PVCs
These extra heartbeats can cause minor to severe unrest in a patient’s life; hence, to neutralize them, doctors perform catheter ablation for PVCs.
If you have ever skipped a beat or you are experiencing flutter or pounding, you may already have PVCs; we recommend that you consult a cardiac specialist as soon as possible. And, if you have been diagnosed with premature ventricular contractions already, then you should keep reading.
This article consists of simple, basic, yet important facts about catheter ablation for PVCs, which is a proven treatment.
What is catheter ablation for PVCs
Catheter ablation is a minimally invasive medical procedure that helps in treating the root cause of abnormal heartbeats in patients suffering from PVCs.
In this procedure, doctors insert a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into the patient’s body and further guide it into the heart. A trained electrophysiologist uses 3D electroanatomic mapping to locate the exact originating point of PVCs.
Then they radiofrequency energy to eliminate the faulty tissues in the heart by emitting extreme heat to burn the faulty tissue.
This will leave a scar in place of the affected tissue and halt the pathways of abnormal heartbeats.
If medications fail to work, catheter ablation is preferred by doctors, as it is a proven, successful treatment for eliminating PVCs. It has a long-lasting impact because it treats the root cause and not only the symptoms of PVCs.
Understanding PVCs—Abnormal Heartbeats
Premature ventricular contractions are also called PVCs, as we already shared in the introduction, and they interrupt abnormal heartbeats, causing unrest in a person.
In some cases, PVCs are so mild that patients feel almost no discomfort, and they go unnoticed. When they occur in small amounts, PVCs are usually benign.
However, when they occur frequently (thousands a day), they can cause major health issues; patients can even be at risk of fatal consequences.
Here are some symptoms of PVCs that you should not take lightly:
Shortness of breath
Discomfort in the chest
Fatigue
Palpitations
Lightheadedness
If frequent PVCs remain persistent for a long period, it can result in weakening of the heart muscles. This condition is called PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. It is a type of heart failure; however, it is potentially reversible.
To avoid such serious consequences, it is better to get treatment at an early stage.
Is catheter ablation the only treatment for PVCs
A short answer is no.
Doctors recommend catheter ablation for PVCs as an alternative option as it has the potential to restore normalcy in heartbeats.
They generally prescribe medicines like antiarrhythmic drugs or beta blockers and suggest simple lifestyle changes such as:
Getting sufficient sleep
Cutting back on caffeine
Reducing tension and stress
Improving magnesium level
Improving potassium level
If none of these works, or they can only control the symptoms for a short period, or the patient suffers with side effects like low blood pressure, dizziness, etc., then catheter ablation is recommended.
To understand the impact of catheter ablation, check out our other blog: Catheter Ablation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get rid of PVCs with medicines only? Or is catheter ablation important for PVCs?
Can catheter ablation worsen my PVC?
Will catheter ablation limit my movement?
What should I do after catheter ablation? Will my PVCs return?
Your recovery routine should ideally be planned by your doctor. In general, we do not recommend heavy exercising or extreme physical activities for at least one to two weeks. However, only your doctor can recommend a proper routine, diet, and precautions considering your overall health.
If you follow their instructions strictly, PVCs are less likely to recur.
