Skip to content

Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)

Overview

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are heartbeats that occur earlier than they should. These early beats briefly interrupt the heart's rhythm.

A PVC may feel like a skipped heartbeat or a flutter. They are common in children and teens as well as in adults.

Early heartbeats can happen in the upper chambers (atria) or lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. With PVCs, the ventricles beat early. An extra beat is followed by a pause and then a stronger heartbeat. It's this stronger heartbeat that creates the feeling of a skipped beat or a flutter.

In people who have healthy hearts, occasional PVCs are nothing to worry about. They usually go away on their own. They don't need treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have other symptoms along with PVCs, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

If you have a known heart problem, such as heart failure or a heart attack, PVCs may be a sign that a dangerous heart rhythm could occur. So if you have a heart problem, talk to your doctor if you feel any change in your heartbeat.

The cause of PVCs usually isn't known. But the chance of having PVCs can be increased by:

  • Having too much or too little of certain minerals (electrolytes) in your body.
  • Having too little oxygen in your blood, which could happen if you have COPD or pneumonia.
  • Using some medicines.
  • Using caffeine or alcohol.
  • Smoking.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Heart Topics

Browse our library of medical conditions and treatments

Heart Topics | Heart and Circulation | Heart Conditions

Symptom Checker

A body map to help you find and learn more about your symptoms.

Symptom Checker

Medical Tests

Learn more about your diagnostic exam.

Medical Tests

Medications

Get important information regarding your medications

Medications

Healthy Lifestyles

Tips on how to stay healthy

Healthy Eating | Weight

Interactive Tools

Tips on how to stay healthy

Take your first step to better health.

Request an appointment today to take your assessment and get on the path to better health!