Lidya Lustoyo Putrajaya1, Ari Sisworo2
1General Practitioner at East Belitung District Regional Public Hospital, East Belitung, Indonesia; 2Internist at East Belitung District Regional Public Hospital, East Belitung, Indonesia

Abstract

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are early depolarizations begin in the ventricle instead of the usual place, the sinus node. Frequent and complex PVCs could occur in apparently healthy individuals, they also showed it could be associated with a benign prognosis. PVCs may occur at rest or during exertion, or as a result of excessive caffeine intake, smoking, drinking alcohol, the use of illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine, amphetamines), or the use of over-the-counter medications (e.g., diet pills, antihistamines) that contain ingredients that mimic the effects of sympathetic nervous system stimulation. In individuals with and without heart disease, hypokalemia and hypomagnesaemia often contribute to the development of PVCs. The symptoms that can occur are palpitations, lightheadedness, passing out, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If the patient without heart disease feels any discomfort, he/ she could be given minor tranquilizer such as benzodiazepine.
Keywords: Premature Ventricular Contractions, Sympathetic nervous system, Tranquilizer, Benzodiazepine