Risk Factors And Causes of Premature Ventricular Contractions

Coronary Artery Disease

Any individual who has coronary artery disease is at a higher risk of experiencing regular and frequent premature ventricular contractions. Coronary artery disease happens when the arteries that supply the muscle tissues of the heart with oxygenated blood become narrowed, hardened, and clogged. This usually happens as a result of the build-up of cholesterol and fatty deposits on the inside lining of the arteries or endothelium. This can cause an obstruction in normal blood flow to the muscle tissues of the heart responsible for the contraction and relaxation of the heart chambers. Coronary artery disease doesn't have to cause a full blockage of blood flow to the heart in order to result in premature ventricular contractions.

Even just a partial blockage can easily result in an irregular heart rhythm, including PVCs. Any degree of inadequate oxygen supply to the heart tissues can cause the nerve cells that control the heart muscle to function poorly. It can also cause the muscle tissues themselves to misinterpret signals that are sent from the nerves. Premature ventricular contractions and other heartbeat abnormalities will occur frequently when the nerve and muscle cells in the heart tissues do not work properly individually, or when they do not work together in unison correctly.