What does "PVC" refer to in a medical context?

In a medical context, "PVC" stands for Premature Ventricular Contraction. This term describes an early electrical impulse that causes the ventricles of the heart to contract before the normal heartbeat. PVCs are often detected on an electrocardiogram (ECG) and typically present as a disruption in the regular rhythm of the heart. While they can occur in healthy individuals and may not require treatment, frequent or symptomatic PVCs can indicate underlying heart conditions that may need further evaluation and management.

Understanding PVCs is important in the assessment of cardiac function as they can reflect issues such as electrolyte imbalances, structural heart disease, or can simply appear during periods of stress. Recognizing this term is crucial for anyone working in a medical environment, including scribes, as it is a common finding in various patients and requires careful documentation and understanding of potential patient implications.