A ventricular premature beat is an extra heartbeat resulting from abnormal electrical activation originating in the ventricles (the lower chambers of the heart) before a normal heartbeat would occur.
The main symptom is a perception of a skipped heartbeat.
Electrocardiography is used to make the diagnosis.
Avoiding things that trigger these beats, such as stress, caffeine, and alcohol, is usually sufficient treatment.
(See also Overview of Abnormal Heart Rhythms.)
The electrical current that begins each heartbeat originates in the heart’s pacemaker (called the sinus node or sinoatrial node), located in the top of the upper right heart chamber (right atrium). However, a heartbeat is sometimes triggered from one of the lower chambers of the heart, the ventricles.
Ventricular premature beats are common, particularly among older adults. This arrhythmia may be caused by physical or emotional stress, intake of caffeine (in beverages and foods) or alcohol, or use of cold or hay fever remedies containing medications that stimulate the heart, such as pseudoephedrine. Other causes include coronary artery disease (especially during or shortly after a heart attack) and disorders that cause ventricles to enlarge, such as heart failure and heart valve disorders.
Symptoms of Ventricular Premature Beats
Isolated ventricular premature beats have little effect on the pumping action of the heart and usually do not cause symptoms, unless they are extremely frequent. The main symptom is the perception of a strong or skipped beat (palpitations). Ventricular premature beats are not dangerous for people who do not have a heart disorder. However, when they occur frequently in people who have a structural heart disorder (such as a heart valve disorder or a heart attack), they may be followed by more dangerous arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, which can cause sudden death.
Diagnosis of Ventricular Premature Beats
Electrocardiography
Electrocardiography (ECG) is used to diagnose ventricular premature beats.
Treatment of Ventricular Premature Beats
Lifestyle changes
Sometimes beta-blockers
In an otherwise healthy person, no treatment is needed other than decreasing stress and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and over-the-counter cold or hay fever remedies containing medications that stimulate the heart.
Medications are rarely used because the risk of side effects is usually greater than the benefit. The exception is people who recently had a heart attack or who have heart failure that causes symptoms. In such people, survival is improved if they are treated with beta-blockers (see table Some Medications Used to Treat Arrhythmias).
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that The Manual is not responsible for the content of this resource.
American Heart Association: Arrhythmia: Information to help people understand their risks of arrhythmias as well as information on diagnosis and treatment
