Cardiac Premature Complex (CPC) refers to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia characterized by the occurrence of an extra or additional electrical impulse originating from the ventricles or atria before the normal heartbeat. It is commonly referred to as a premature beat, premature ventricular contraction (PVC), or premature atrial contraction (PAC), depending on the source of the early electrical impulse.
During a normal cardiac rhythm, the heart's electrical signals follow a specific pathway, causing the rhythmic contractions that maintain blood flow. However, in CPC, an electrical impulse can arise prematurely, causing an early heartbeat that disrupts the regular sequence. This leads to an abnormal rhythm, where the heart beats too early, followed by a pause before the next regular beat.
Cardiac Premature Complexes can occur in individuals with or without underlying heart conditions. They can also be triggered or exacerbated by various factors, including stress, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, certain medications, or electrolyte imbalances. Common symptoms of CPC can include palpitations (a sensation of skipped or extra heartbeats), a fluttering sensation, a brief pause in the heartbeat, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath.
While infrequent or isolated occurrences of CPC are generally harmless and require no intervention, frequent or prolonged episodes may require medical evaluation or intervention. A healthcare professional can diagnose CPC through a thorough evaluation, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the heart's electrical activity. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, avoidance of triggers, medications to control arrhythmia, or in severe cases, invasive procedures like catheter ablation or implantable devices like pacemakers. Prompt and appropriate management is crucial to prevent potential complications and ensure optimal heart health.
