PVCs
Ventricle misfires early
PVCs are premature ventricular contractions—extra heartbeats originating in the heart's lower chambers that disrupt the normal rhythm.
They feel like a skipped beat or flutter in the chest.
PVCs are common and usually harmless, though frequent ones may require medical evaluation: The doctor said my PVCs are benign.
Separately, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a common plastic, and the plural PVCs can refer to items made from it: PVC pipes.
Awareness of abnormal heartbeat
- flutteringLight, rapid movement
- thumpingHeavy, dull beating
- poundingForceful repeated striking
- flip-floppingRepeatedly reversing one's stance
Abnormal cardiac rhythm
- ectopicIn abnormal position
- ventricularOf heart's lower chambers
- prematureOccurring before expected
- contractionReduction in size
electrocardiogram · ECG · ablation · electrophysiology · depolarization · repolarization · tachycardia · bradycardia
Methylxanthine stimulant compound
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
- dehydrationExcessive fluid loss
electrolytes · magnesium · potassium · stimulants · exercise · fatigue · nicotine · adrenaline
Unsteady, spinning sensation
- lightheadednessSensation of near-fainting
- breathlessnessDifficulty drawing air
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- weaknessDeficiency in force
fainting · syncope · anxiety · unease · nervousness · worry · hyperawareness
palpitations
Awareness of abnormal heartbeat
- flutteringLight, rapid movement
- thumpingHeavy, dull beating
- poundingForceful repeated striking
flip-flopping · racing · jumping · throbbing · pulsating
arrhythmia
Abnormal cardiac rhythm
- ectopicIn abnormal position
- ventricularOf heart's lower chambers
- prematureOccurring before expected
contraction · electrocardiogram · ECG · ablation · electrophysiology · depolarization · repolarization · tachycardia · bradycardia · cardiomyopathy
caffeine
Methylxanthine stimulant compound
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
dehydration · electrolytes · magnesium · potassium · stimulants · exercise · fatigue · nicotine · adrenaline · hormones
dizziness
Unsteady, spinning sensation
- lightheadednessSensation of near-fainting
- breathlessnessDifficulty drawing air
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
weakness · fainting · syncope · anxiety · unease · nervousness · worry · hyperawareness