What is the significance of unifocal PVCs?

Unifocal premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) arise from a single ectopic focus within the ventricles, which is why they exhibit the same shape on an electrocardiogram (ECG). This single origin indicates that the electrical impulse triggering each PVC comes from the same location in the heart muscle. Consequently, this consistency in morphology allows healthcare professionals to identify and analyze them more effectively when interpreting an ECG.

In contrast, if there were multifocal PVCs, they would show varying shapes since they originate from different locations or foci within the ventricles. This variability can complicate the interpretation of the ECG. Understanding the significance of unifocal PVCs can lead to insights regarding the underlying cardiac conditions and guide further diagnostic steps or treatment options accordingly.