Escaped ventricular contraction is a medical term used to describe an irregular heartbeat. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. "Escaped" is pronounced as ɪˈskeɪpt and "ventricular" is pronounced as vɛnˈtrɪkjʊlər. "Contraction" is pronounced as kənˈtrækʃən. Together, the word is pronounced as ɪˈskeɪpt vɛnˈtrɪkjʊlər kənˈtrækʃən. It is important to correctly spell and pronounce medical terms to ensure accurate communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
Escaped ventricular contraction refers to an abnormal heart rhythm that occurs when the ventricles, which are the two lower chambers of the heart, contract prematurely or before they are supposed to. In a normal heart rhythm, the electrical signals that regulate the heart's contractions begin in the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrium, then travel to the atrioventricular (AV) node before reaching the ventricles. This organized sequence allows for efficient pumping of blood.
However, an escaped ventricular contraction occurs when an electrical signal is generated from a source other than the SA or AV nodes, causing the ventricles to contract prematurely. These contractions are often out of sync with the normal heart rhythm, disrupting the proper pumping function of the heart.
Escaped ventricular contractions can be caused by various factors, such as dysfunction in the heart's electrical system, heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, or the use of certain medications. These contractions can sometimes be perceived as an extra or skipped beat and may or may not be accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or chest discomfort.
Treatment for escaped ventricular contractions may depend on the underlying cause and severity of symptoms. In some cases, lifestyle modifications such as reducing stress or avoiding triggers may be recommended. Medications or procedures like catheter ablation may be prescribed to control the abnormal heart rhythm. It is important for individuals experiencing escaped ventricular contractions to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate course of action.
Isolated ventricular contraction from an impulse formed in the auriculoventricular node; also called automatic contraction.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.