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Premature ventricular contraction-induced cardiomyopathy: an emerging entity
Cao Thach Tran1, Hugh Calkins1
1a Division of Cardiology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , MD , USA.
Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy
|August 18, 2016
Summary
Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can lead to reversible cardiomyopathy. Both medication and catheter ablation are effective treatments for PVCs, potentially resolving heart muscle dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Growing evidence links frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) to reversible cardiomyopathy over the last 10-15 years.
- Observational studies form the primary basis for current understanding of this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the association between PVCs and cardiomyopathy development.
- To discuss risk factors and treatment modalities for PVC-induced cardiomyopathy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published studies on PVCs and cardiomyopathy.
- Analysis of current evidence regarding risk factors and treatments.
Main Results:
- Pharmacological therapy can suppress PVCs and often resolves cardiomyopathy.
- Catheter ablation is an effective treatment, comparing favorably to antiarrhythmic drugs.
Conclusions:
- Frequent PVCs may contribute to heart failure development.
- Physicians should consider PVCs as a potential factor in heart failure patients.
- Successful treatment of PVCs can lead to excellent patient outcomes.
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