Three consecutive PVCs (Premature Ventricular Contractions) are called ventricular tachycardia. Additionally, patterns involving PVCs can be described by terms like bigeminy and trigeminy.
Here's a breakdown:
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Ventricular Tachycardia: This is the term used when there are three or more PVCs in a row. It's a rapid heart rhythm originating in the ventricles, and can be life-threatening.
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Bigeminy: This occurs when every other heartbeat is a PVC. Essentially, a normal beat alternates consistently with a PVC.
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Trigeminy: This occurs when every third heartbeat is a PVC. Therefore, two normal beats are followed by a PVC, and the pattern repeats.
In summary, while "ventricular tachycardia" directly describes three or more consecutive PVCs, "bigeminy" and "trigeminy" describe specific repeating patterns of PVCs interspersed with normal heartbeats.
