A premature heartbeat happens when the heart beats earlier than it should. This briefly interrupts the heart's rhythm. You do not usually feel the early heartbeat, and the next beat is stronger. To many people, this feels like a skipped heartbeat or a flutter. This heartbeat is also called a premature ventricular contraction (PVC).
If you have no heart problems, premature heartbeats that happen once in a while are not a cause for concern. Most people have them at some time. They may happen more often if you use caffeine or alcohol or are under stress.
You may have tests to check for a cause of the premature heartbeats. Most people do not need treatment. But some people may take medicine or have a procedure called ablation to prevent these heartbeats and to relieve symptoms.
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.
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.
The cause of PVCs usually isn't known. But the chance of having PVCs can be increased by:
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.
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