Word: Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)
Definition: A "premature ventricular contraction" (often abbreviated as PVC) is a medical term that refers to an irregular heartbeat. It happens when the heart's lower chambers (ventricles) beat too early, which can cause a feeling of a skipped heartbeat or a fluttering sensation in the chest.
Usage Instructions: - "Premature ventricular contraction" is a noun and is used primarily in medical contexts. - It is usually discussed by doctors or health professionals when talking about heart health.
Example Sentence: - "After my check-up, the doctor told me that I have occasional premature ventricular contractions, but they are usually not serious."
Advanced Usage: - PVCs can be a normal occurrence in healthy individuals, especially when under stress or after consuming caffeine. However, if they occur frequently, they may need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as they can sometimes lead to more serious heart problems like ventricular fibrillation, which is a dangerous condition.
Word Variants: - PVCs: This is the plural form, used to refer to multiple occurrences of premature ventricular contractions. - Ventricular: This adjective relates to the ventricles of the heart.
Different Meaning: - The term is specific to cardiology and doesn’t have alternative meanings in everyday language.
Synonyms: - "Irregular heartbeat" (though this is a more general term and can refer to various types of arrhythmias). - "Skipped heartbeat" (a layman's term that describes the sensation felt during a PVC).
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "premature ventricular contraction" since it is a technical medical term. However, you might hear phrases like "my heart skipped a beat," which conveys a similar feeling but isn't specific to PVCs.
Summary: In summary, a premature ventricular contraction is a type of irregular heartbeat where the heart’s ventricles contract too early. It can be harmless for many people but should be monitored if it happens frequently.