What is the primary concern with frequent PVCs?

• A. They can lead to heart failure
• B. They are usually benign
• C. They do not affect heart function
• D. They improve cardiac output

Answer: (A)

Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) can lead to significant cardiac complications, which is why the primary concern is that they can contribute to the development of heart failure. Although individual PVCs may be benign, when they occur frequently, they can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart, impairing its ability to pump efficiently. This persistent disruption can lead to decreased cardiac output and may cause the heart muscle to become weakened over time, increasing the risk of heart failure.

Understanding the implications of frequent PVCs is critical because they can indicate underlying heart disease or other issues. In such cases, left untreated, the arrhythmia may result in a more serious disorder, such as cardiomyopathy, where the heart's structure and function deteriorate. This makes monitoring and managing frequent PVCs essential in clinical practice.