Why It's Important to See a Doctor

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a form of irregular heartbeat. These extra beats usually aren't hazardous, and they could go away on their own.

Doctors will listen to your heartbeat, and check other vital signs. They might order a Holter Monitor, which records the electrical impulses of your heart over a period of between 24 and 48 hours. They may also order blood tests to check your electrolyte levels and thyroid hormones.

Diagnosis

PVCs occur when electrical impulses coming from the lower chambers of the heart ventricles misfire through a structure called the SA node. This delays the next heartbeat which can cause an experience of fluttering or skipped beats in the chest. PVCs can occur in isolation, or in repeated patterns. Two consecutive PVCs are known as doublets, while three or more consecutive PVCs constitute ventricular Tachycardia (VT).

Some people do not experience any symptoms, while others experience palpitations. It could be an unsteady heartbeat or a rapid heartbeat. Other common symptoms are tiredness and dizziness, as well as a feeling of being unwell.

Many people with occasional PVCs don't need any treatment. If a patient has frequent episodes, a physician may recommend a change to the diet or lifestyle. For instance restricting caffeine, stress, and alcohol. They may prescribe medication such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers to lower blood pressure and slow down the heart rate.