Ectopic heartbeat

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Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Heart, front view

Heart, section through the middle

PVB (premature ventricular beat); Premature contraction; Premature beats; PVC (premature ventricular contraction); Extrasystole

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.

Ectopic heartbeats are generally benign, requiring no treatment. Occasionally, they may indicate an increased risk for other cardiac arrhythmias.

• Ventricular tachycardia (occasionally)
• Other arrhythmias (occasionally)

Call your health care provider if you feel palpitations that are persistent or are accompanied by chest pain or other symptoms.

Call your health care provider if ectopic heartbeats have been diagnosed and the symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.

Review Date: 05/31/2006
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.