Premature contractions are a common occurrence in the human heart. These contractions happen when the heart beats earlier than what is considered normal. The premature contractions can occur in the upper or lower chambers of the heart, and they are named accordingly.
There are two types of premature contractions, and each is named according to which chamber it occurs in. The first type is premature atrial contractions (PAC), which happen when the contractions start in the atria, the two upper chambers of the heart. The second type is premature ventricular contractions (PVC), which happen when the contractions start in the ventricles, the two lower chambers of the heart.
Premature atrial contractions (PAC) occur when an electrical impulse originates in the atria before the next scheduled heartbeat. The extra beat of the heart can cause the person to feel a fluttering sensation in their chest. These contractions are usually not harmful and do not require any treatment. However, if the person experiences multiple PACs in a row, they should consult their doctor.
Premature ventricular contractions (PVC) occur when an electrical impulse originates in the ventricles before the next scheduled heartbeat. This type of premature contraction can make the person feel as if their heart is skipping a beat or having an extra beat. In some cases, these contractions can be a sign of an underlying heart condition, and a person should consult their doctor if they experience frequent PVCs.
In conclusion, premature contractions are a common occurrence in the human heart, and there are two types of premature contractions: premature atrial contractions (PAC) and premature ventricular contractions (PVC). Each type is named according to which chamber of the heart the contractions start in. While these contractions are usually harmless, it is essential to consult a doctor if they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms.