This extra impulse happens before the next normal heartbeat has a chance to occur.
PVCs are very common and usually harmless.
Most do not cause symptoms and resolve on their own without treatment.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
If you are experiencing symptoms, such as dizziness or fainting, tell your healthcare provider.
In many cases, simply lifestyle changes like limiting caffeine are enough to manage symptoms.
This article provides an overview of the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of PVCs.
You’ll also learn about when treatment for PVCs may be indicated, and what those therapy options entail.
What Are the Symptoms of PVCs?
Many people with PVCs do not feel them at all.
Others describe them as a “fluttering” or “flip-flopping” feeling in the chest.
In some people, these unusual heartbeat sensations can be difficult to tolerate.
If you have PVCs that are becoming more frequent, plan to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation.
What Are the Potential Complications of PVCs?
PVCs usually are not dangerous in healthy people.
Both VT and VF can be life-threatening if they are not treated promptly.
In severe cases, they can result insudden cardiac arrestand death.
High-frequency PVCs occur when 20% to 40% of heartbeats in 24 hours are PVCs.
High-frequency PVCs can also be dangerous, as they can weaken the heart muscle over time.
How Are PVCs Prevented?
What Are the Causes of PVCs?
PVCs are very common, even in completely healthy people.
When normal individuals are monitored by ECG for 24 hours the majority show at least one PVC.
But more frequently, they occur in people with underlying heart disease.
Additionally, an injury to the heart can make the cells of the ventricles electrically unstable and cause PVCs.
These include:
How Are PVCs Diagnosed?
PVCs can then be officially diagnosed byelectrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).
With this test, flat disks that can detect electrical activity of the heart are placed on your chest.
Results are graphed on a monitor.
Depending on findings from your medical history/physical exam, various blood tests may be ordered.
For example, if an electrolyte imbalance is suspected, abasic metabolic paneland a magnesium level may be ordered.
Further testing to look for previously unknownheart diseaseis also commonly performed.
A reduced LVEF indicates that your heart muscle not working as well as it should.
Painless radiofrequency energy is used to destroy heart tissue deemed to be the source of abnormal electrical signals.
Ablation may be warranted in certain highly symptomatic people.
Ablation carries significant risks of major cardiac events, which occur in 3%-5% of cases.
Summary
PVCs are abnormal heartbeats that begin in one of your heart’s lower chambers.
They are common and may causepalpitations, lightheadedness, or no symptoms at all.
Once PVCs are diagnosed, an echocardiogram is typically performed to assess the heart’s function and structure.
Thetreatment of PVCsis highly variable, ranging from annual checks to taking medications or undergoing an ablation procedure.
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