What is the Difference Between PAC and PVC?

Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs) and Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) are both types of arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, that result from premature electrical activation in the heart. The key difference between PAC and PVC lies in their points of origin:

• PACs originate in the upper two chambers of the heart, known as the atria.
• PVCs originate in the lower two chambers of the heart, known as the ventricles.

Both PACs and PVCs can be caused by various factors, such as anxiety, stress, drugs, caffeine, alcohol, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, coronary artery disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and heart failure. They may occur in healthy individuals and rarely cause symptoms. However, in some cases, frequent PVCs can lead to heart failure.

Symptoms of PACs and PVCs may include chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. Diagnosis is typically based on the patient's history, physical exam, ECG/EKG, and the results of heart monitoring, such as a Holter monitor. In some cases, treatment may be required, such as antiarrhythmic drugs like beta-blockers or calcium-channel blockers.

Comparative Table: PAC vs PVC

PAC (Premature Atrial Contraction) and PVC (Premature Ventricular Contraction) are both types of irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias, but they originate in different chambers of the heart. Here is a table highlighting the differences between PAC and PVC:

Both PAC and PVC are premature electrical activations, but they have different origins and causes. While PAC originates in the upper chambers of the heart, PVC originates in the lower chambers. The symptoms of both conditions may be similar, such as heart palpitations and shortness of breath.