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Ectopic heartbeat Causes and Risks:
Ectopic heartbeats are an arrhythmia involving small variations in an otherwise normal heartbeat. They may, in many cases, be without observable cause. They may be caused or aggravated by excessive smoking , alcohol consumption , caffeine , or other conditions such as heart disorders. PVC's are rare in children other than children with congenital heart disease . The majority of extra heartbeats in children are PAC's (premature atrial contractions) which are almost always benign .
Prevention:
Moderation in caffeine , alcohol, and tobacco use may reduce the risk of ectopic heartbeats in some people.
Symptoms:
- the sensation of feeling heart beat ( palpitations )
- the sensation of stopped or skipped beats
Note: In many cases, the person may have no symptoms.
Signs and Tests:
A physical examination may show an irregular pulse . There is usually normal blood pressure .
An ectopic heartbeat may be revealed on:
Treatment:
Often, ectopic heartbeats do not require treatment. The condition is treated if symptoms are severe or if extra beats are very frequent. Anti-arrhythmic medications such as lidocaine, or other medications, may be needed to suppress the extra heartbeats.
The underlying cause may also require treatment.
Prognosis:
Ectopic heartbeats are generally benign , requiring no treatment. They may indicate an increased risk for the development of other cardiac arrhythmias .
Complications:
Note: There usually are no complications.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if palpitations occur and persist, 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.
This is a cross-sectional view of the interior of the heart. The valves, chambers, and associated vessels are labeled.
This is an illustration of the exterior of the heart. The arteries are colored blue and represent blood that is flowing into the heart. The veins are red and indicate blood flow out from the heart. The chambers are also labeled.
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