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 arising from atrial or junctional tissue, leading to premature heart beats 2.
- SPCs are less frequent than premature beats from the ventricles, but more frequent than those arising in the atrioventricular junction 2.
Characteristics of SPCs
- SPCs are usually benign and highly prevalent in the general population 2.
- However, they could trigger sustained supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias, and cause cardiomyopathies 2.
- The clinical presentation of symptoms may vary from being extremely benign, or very severe (malignant) 3.
Diagnosis and Management of SPCs
- The diagnostic workup for SPCs includes electrocardiogram (ECG) and 24-h Holter monitor to assess the QRS morphology and its frequency 4.
- A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is done to look for structural heart disease and cardiomyopathy 4.
- Management of SPCs should be focused on identifying and treating the underlying causes, such as electrolyte abnormalities, substance use, and underlying structural heart disease 4.
Note: The provided studies primarily focus on Premature Ventricular Complexes (PVCs) rather than Supraventricular Premature Complexes (SPCs). However, study 2 provides some information on SPCs, which is included in the response.