From the Guidelines
A Supraventricular Premature Complex (SPC) is essentially a premature beat originating above the ventricles, which can be a sign of an underlying supraventricular arrhythmia.
Definition and Causes
- SPCs are characterized by an early electrical impulse originating in the atria or atrioventricular (AV) node, disrupting the normal heart rhythm 1.
- They can be caused by various factors, including stress, caffeine, nicotine, or underlying heart conditions such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) 1.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
- Patients with SPCs may experience symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, lightheadedness, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath 1.
- Diagnosis is typically made through electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitoring, which can detect the premature beats and help identify the underlying cause 1.
Types of Supraventricular Arrhythmias
- SVTs can be classified into different types, including atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT), and junctional tachycardia 1.
- Each type has distinct characteristics and may require different treatment approaches.
Clinical Significance
- SPCs can be a sign of an underlying arrhythmia, and prompt evaluation and treatment are essential to prevent complications such as tachycardia-mediated cardiomyopathy or heart failure 1.
- A thorough clinical history and physical examination are crucial in determining the underlying cause of SPCs and guiding treatment decisions 1.
From the Research
Definition of Supraventricular Premature Complex (SPC)
- A Supraventricular Premature Complex (SPC) refers to an electrical impulse that arises from atrial or junctional tissue, leading to premature heart beats 2.
- SPCs are a type of premature complex that originates above the ventricles, in contrast to premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) which arise from ventricular tissue.
Characteristics of SPCs
- SPCs are usually benign and highly prevalent in the general population, but they can trigger sustained supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, and cause cardiomyopathies 2.
- The presence of SPCs can be a predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) development, and is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population 3, 4.
Diagnosis and Clinical Significance
- SPCs can be diagnosed using electrocardiogram (ECG) and 24-hour Holter monitoring, which can assess the frequency and morphology of the premature complexes 5.
- The presence of SPCs can be a significant predictor of AF onset, and is associated with an increased risk of CVD, particularly in women 3.
- In patients with cryptogenic stroke, numerous SPCs and short supraventricular runs can demonstrate a high risk for future AF 4.