Premature ventricular contractions

Description

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

Overview

Premature ventricular contractions, also called PVCs, are a common type of irregular heartbeat. Heart muscle damage and some types of heart disease may cause PVCs. 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 happen very often or if there is another heart condition. Lifestyle changes and medicines may be the first treatments. Some people need a treatment that uses heat energy to make tiny scars in the heart. The scars block the irregular beats.