PVB (premature ventricular beat)
Key points
- Ectopic heartbeat is an irregularity of the heart rate and heart rhythm involving extra or skipped heartbeats.
- Ectopic heartbeats are an arrhythmia involving small variations in an otherwise normal heartbeat.
- A physical examination may show an occasional irregularity, but if the ectopic beats do not occur frequently, they may not be detectable on physical exam.
- Ectopic heartbeats are generally benign, requiring no treatment.
Alternative names
Ectopic heartbeat; Premature contraction; Premature beats; PVC (premature ventricular contraction); Extrasystole
Definition
Ectopic heartbeat is an irregularity of the heart rate and heart rhythm involving extra or skipped heartbeats.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Ectopic heartbeats are an arrhythmia involving small variations in an otherwise normal heartbeat. In many cases, they may occur without obvious cause and be benign.
Other times, however, they are associated with electrolyte abnormalities in the blood which should be corrected. They can also be associated with ischemia, or local reduction in blood supply to the heart. In addition, ectopic beats may be caused or aggravated by excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine, certain medications, and some illicit drugs.
Ectopic beats are rare in children other than those with congenital heart disease. The majority of extra heartbeats in children are PAC's (premature atrial contractions), which are almost always benign.
In adults, ectopic beats can occur more commonly, and underlying reversible reasons should be investigated even if it turns out that no treatment is ultimately needed.
Symptoms
- the sensation of feeling heart beat (palpitations)
- the sensation of stopped or skipped beats
Note: In many cases, the person may have no symptoms.
Signs and tests
A physical examination may show an occasional irregularity, but if the ectopic beats do not occur frequently, they may not be detectable on physical exam. Blood pressure is usually normal.
An ectopic heartbeat may be revealed on:
- an ECG
- continuous ambulatory cardiac monitoring (Holter)
Etopic beats may also be observed during:
- an echocardiogram
- coronary angiography
Treatment
Often ectopic heartbeats do not require treatment. The condition is treated if symptoms are severe or if extra beats are very frequent.
An underlying cause, if discovered, may also require treatment.
Expectations (prognosis)
Ectopic heartbeats are generally benign, requiring no treatment. Ocasionally, they may indicate an increased risk for other cardiac arrhythmias.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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