What are premature ventricular contractions?
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that start in the ventricles, the heart's lower chambers. These extra beats disrupt the regular heart rhythm, often causing a fluttering sensation or a feeling of a skipped beat. While PVCs are common and usually harmless, frequent occurrences or those associated with heart disease may require medical attention.
Premature ventricular contraction symptoms
PVCs can feel a little different for everyone. Some people don't notice them at all, while others might feel fluttering in their chest or a skipped heartbeat. You may notice your heartbeat more than you normally do. Symptoms are usually noticeable if PVCs occur frequently.
- Fluttering in the chest
- Skipped or extra heartbeat
- Pounding heartbeat
- Dizziness
When to see a doctor
Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are usually harmless, especially if they only happen occasionally. But see your doctor if you experience symptoms, as symptoms of PVCs are similar to those of other conditions, such as anxiety and anemia.
Even if the symptoms seem mild, regular or intense episodes of PVCs shouldn’t be ignored. Your doctor can run simple tests, like an EKG, to better understand what’s going on and determine if treatment is needed.
What causes premature ventricular contractions?
Typically, when your heart beats, electrical signals start in the sinus node, which sits in the upper right of your heart and serves as a natural pacemaker. When you have PVCs, the electrical signals come from the ventricles. They usually occur earlier than your natural heartbeat, briefly throwing off your heart’s natural rhythm.
Doctors don’t always know what causes electrical signals to start in the ventricles, and often, they occur for no obvious reason. Still, certain substances, medications and health conditions can interfere with cells in your heart’s lower chambers, changing how signals travel through your heart. Possible causes include:
- Caffeine
- Cardiomyopathy
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- High blood pressure
- Imbalances of electrolytes, such as potassium, calcium and magnesium
- Misuse of alcohol or drugs
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Myocarditis
- Over-the-counter medications that contain pseudoephedrine
- Some heart rhythm medications
- Stress
- Certain antidepressants, such as tricyclics
Premature ventricular contractions risk factors
While many people experience occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), taking medications or having conditions that may cause PVCs can increase your risk of having these irregular heartbeats. Certain demographic factors can also make PVCs more likely.
The more you know about what may be contributing to these irregular beats, the better equipped you are to make small changes that can have a big impact.
Risk factors include:
Existing heart conditions
Underlying heart disease, such as a prior heart attack or a weakened heart, can increase your risk.
Age
PVCs typically occur in older adults.
Race
Black people are at higher risk than other racial or ethnic groups.
Sex
Men are at higher risk for PVCs than women.
Complications
Most of the time, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are harmless and don’t cause long-term complications. But when PVCs happen frequently or occur in certain patterns, they can lead to more serious heart issues. Generally, your risk of complications is higher if you have other heart conditions.
Possible complications of PVCs include:
- Cardiomyopathy: PVCs that occur often can weaken your heart muscle, leading to cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart can’t pump blood effectively.
- Left-sided heart failure: When your heart beats out of rhythm often, it can strain the heart muscle and make it weaker over time.
- Sudden cardiac death: Frequent PVCs in people who have had heart attacks may be a predictor of sudden cardiac death.
- Ventricular arrhythmias: In rare cases, PVCs can lead to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation , potentially fatal conditions that need immediate medical attention.
Diagnosing premature ventricular contractions
Diagnosing PVCs starts with listening to your symptoms and understanding your health history. From there, your provider may use tests to catch these irregular heartbeats in action and determine how often they occur and whether they're affecting your heart's function.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to deciding if treatment is needed and what type of care will help you feel your best.
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Medical history and exam
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle and any existing health conditions. They’ll also listen to your heart and check your pulse and blood pressure. This helps identify any patterns or triggers and gives clues about how your heart is functioning.
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Imaging and tests
Based on your exam, your doctor may recommend a series of tests that monitor your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. If these tests find PVCs, your doctor may order additional tests to find the underlying cause.
Tests that diagnose PVCs include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An EKG is a quick, painless test that records the heart’s electrical activity. It can capture PVCs if they happen during the test and show their shape and timing.
- Holter monitor: This portable device tracks your heart rhythm for 24 to 48 hours while you go about your normal activities. It’s helpful for spotting PVCs that don’t show up during a short in-office EKG.
- Event recorder: Similar to a Holter monitor, this wearable device is used over a longer period, sometimes weeks. You press a button when you feel symptoms, allowing your doctor to see what your heart was doing at that moment.
Other tests that may help understand why you have PVCs include:
- Echocardiogram
- Stress testing
- Cardiac catheterization
- Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Genetic testing
Premature ventricular contraction treatments
Many people with PVCs don’t need treatment, especially if they have no symptoms or underlying issues. But when PVCs are frequent or bothersome, affect your quality of life or are related to an underlying heart condition, treatment can help manage symptoms and protect your heart.
Your doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, medications or procedures to restore a healthier heart rhythm and prevent complications.
Lifestyle changes
Simple adjustments to your daily routine can go a long way in calming your heart. Many people see a significant improvement in PVC symptoms by addressing common triggers and adopting heart-healthy habits like these:
- Avoiding stimulant medications when possible
- Managing stress
- Quitting tobacco
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
Medication
Your doctor may recommend medications to control your heart rate or lower your blood pressure and heart rate.
- Beta-blockers: These medications slow down your heart rate and reduce the force of contractions, helping to prevent irregular beats like PVCs. They also block the effects of adrenaline, which can trigger or worsen PVCs during stress or physical exertion.
- Calcium channel blockers: These drugs relax the muscles of the heart and blood vessels, helping to steady the rhythm and lower blood pressure.
- Antiarrhythmic drugs: These powerful medications are used in more severe cases. They work by directly modifying the heart’s electrical signals to prevent abnormal rhythms and restore a consistent, normal heartbeat.
Catheter ablation
If PVCs happen often or don’t go away with other treatments, your doctor might recommend catheter ablation. During the procedure, a thin tube is guided through your blood vessels to the heart, where heat or cold is used to destroy the small area of tissue triggering the PVCs. It’s a minimally invasive procedure with a short recovery time.
Locations for premature ventricular contractions care
Premature ventricular contractions can be concerning but don’t always mean you have a serious health concern. Find the answers you need from our heart teams across North and Central Texas. We can help you find care at a location near you.
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Longview
906 Judson Rd , Longview, TX, 75601
Baylor Scott & White Advanced Heart Failure Clinic - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75701
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Tyler
1321 S Beckham Ave , Tyler, TX, 75702
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 300, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - McKinney
5268 W University Dr , McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery Specialists - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4450, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4100, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - McKinney
5236 W University Dr POB I, Ste 4900, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Rockwall
1005 W Ralph Hall Pkwy Ste 225, Rockwall, TX, 75032
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Rockwall
6705 Heritage Pkwy Ste 202, Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Center for Thoracic Surgery - Rockwall
6701 Heritage Pkwy Ste 130, Rockwall, TX, 75087
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Rowlett
7801 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 100, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Denton Heart Group - Gainesville
201 N Interstate 35 Ste 140, Gainesville, TX, 76240
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 101, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 205, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Texas Cardiac Associates - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Frisco
9990 Dallas Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Preston Road
6601 Preston Rd , Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center - Plano Spring Creek Parkway
5655 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 155, Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano
6000 W Spring Creek Pkwy Ste 220, Plano, TX, 75024
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Arrhythmia Management - Plano
1820 Preston Park Blvd Ste 1450, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital - Plano
1100 Allied Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Cardiac Surgery Specialists - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 540, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Plano
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 465, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Plano II
4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 450 , Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 4:45 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Specialists - Mesquite
5308 N Galloway Ave Ste 201, Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Rhythm Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Aortic Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Heart Recovery Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital – Plano Structural Heart Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Global Heart Health Center
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 300, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital Genetics Center - Plano
4716 Alliance Blvd Pavilion II, Ste 350, Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Plano
4700 Alliance Blvd , Plano, TX, 75093
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Group - Castle Hills
1700 FM 544 Ste 200, Lewisville, TX, 75056
Baylor Scott & White Cardiology Consultants of Texas - Park Cities
9101 N Central Expy Ste 300C, Dallas, TX, 75231
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Cardiovascular Consultants - Denton
3333 Colorado Blvd , Denton, TX, 76210
- Monday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Frequently asked questions
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Are premature ventricular contractions dangerous?
PVCs are usually harmless in healthy people. Occasional PVCs often don’t cause problems. However, frequent or persistent PVCs—especially in people with heart disease—can signal a more serious issue or increase the risk of complications like heart failure or arrhythmias.
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Can anxiety cause premature ventricular contractions?
Yes, anxiety (and stress) can trigger PVCs. When you’re anxious or stressed, your body releases adrenaline, which can overstimulate your heart and cause early beats.
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Can premature ventricular contractions cause shortness of breath
Yes, PVCs can sometimes cause shortness of breath if you have another heart problem. In otherwise healthy people, though, PVCs typically do not cause shortness of breath.
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Why am I suddenly getting PVCs?
PVCs have many possible causes, so there may be many reasons you suddenly get them. They can be triggered by lifestyle changes, such as stress, lack of sleep, caffeine or alcohol use, dehydration or medications you take.
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What is the best exercise for PVCs?
Regular aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming and biking, may help reduce your risk for PVCs by keeping your heart healthy. Regular stretching and strength training may also help. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have frequent PVCs or other heart conditions.