Premature ventricular contractions

Description

Extra heartbeats that begin in one of the lower heart chambers.

Overview

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a common type of irregular heartbeat, called an arrhythmia. Heart muscle damage and some types of heart disease may cause PVCs. Using some medicines such as those to treat a stuffy nose or stimulants such as caffeine may cause the extra beats. Other causes include alcohol or drug misuse and anxiety.

Symptoms

PVC symptoms may include a fluttering, pounding or jumping feeling in the chest. Some people feel a missed or skipped beat. Some people do not have symptoms.

Treatments

PVCs in people without heart disease usually aren't a concern. Treatment may be needed if PVCs occur very often or if there is another heart problem. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medicines and a procedure that uses heat energy to create tiny scars in the heart that block the irregular beats.