What role does a compensatory pause have following a PVC?

A compensatory pause follows a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) and serves an important function in the heart’s rhythm. When a PVC occurs, it disrupts the normal cardiac cycle. The compensatory pause that follows allows the heart time to reset its rhythm and synchronize the subsequent heartbeat properly.

This pause occurs because the ventricles contract early due to the PVC, resulting in the next beat being delayed as the heart regains its regular rhythm. This is a crucial mechanism, as it helps to maintain effective pumping of blood throughout the circulatory system and prevents the chaotic rhythm that can occur with frequent PVCs. Understanding the nature of this compensatory pause can help in determining the cardiac rhythm's stability and the heart's overall function in the presence of PVCs.