What do pvcs indicate

Heart Health. Hamid Ghanbari, M. October 19, AM. Arrhythmia or Abnormal Heart Rhythms. Symptoms of PVCs include a fluttering or flip-flop feeling in the chest, pounding or jumping heart rate, skipped beats and palpitations, or an increased awareness of your heartbeat. PVCs occur when ventricle contractions beat sooner than the next expected regular heartbeat, often interrupting the normal order of pumping.

The extra beat is followed by a stronger heartbeat, which creates the feeling of a skipped beat or a flutter. These extra beats are usually less effective in pumping blood throughout the body. PVCs may be diagnosed during an electrocardiogram ECG , which is a routine heart test, or through a portable ECG such as a Holter monitor, a portable device worn for a period of time to capture abnormal heart rhythms.

Tell your doctor of any symptoms of PVCs so you can determine if there is an underlying cause that needs to be treated, such as other rhythm problems, serious heart problems, anxiety, anemia or infections. You should also report any symptoms such as dizziness or fainting. In those with healthy hearts, occasional PVCs are harmless and usually resolve on their own without treatment. Some PVC symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes — limiting caffeine, tobacco and alcohol and stress, for example.

Treatment for patients who experience PVCs on a regular basis includes medication such as beta blockers and calcium blockers. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Manolis AS. Ventricular premature beats. Accessed Dec. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. American Heart Association. Ip JE, et al. Idiopathic malignant premature ventricular contractions. Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine. In press. Eugenio PL.