It is also known as premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and premature atrial contractions (PAC). Ectopic heartbeats originate from areas other than the heart's natural pacemaker, the sinoatrial (SA) node. In this article, you'll learn about its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Causes
Ectopic heartbeats can be caused by various factors, including:
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Psychological stress and anxiety can trigger ectopic heartbeats in some individuals.
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Ectopic heartbeats may occur when caffeine, nicotine, or other stimulants are consumed.
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Ectopic heartbeats are caused by electrolyte imbalances, which can disrupt the normal electrical activity of the heart.
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Underlying heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, or structural abnormalities, may predispose individuals to ectopic heartbeats.
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Some asthma medications, decongestants, and antidepressants may increase the risk of experiencing ectopic heartbeats.
Symptoms
An ectopic heartbeat may or may not cause symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
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A palpitation is a sensation of fluttering, pounding, or irregular heartbeat.
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The perception of skipped or missed heartbeats.
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During ectopic heartbeats, some individuals may experience chest discomfort or a feeling of tightness.
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Ectopic heartbeats can sometimes cause anxiety or panic, particularly if they occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing ectopic heartbeats typically involves:
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ECGs are non-invasive tests that measure the electrical activity of the heart and can detect abnormal heart rhythms, including ectopic heartbeats.
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In some cases, a Holter monitor can be used to continuously monitor the heart's electrical activity over a 24-hour period in order to detect intermittent ectopic heartbeats.
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Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is used to evaluate the structure and function of the heart and identify any underlying heart conditions that may contribute to ectopic heartbeats.
Treatment
If the ectopic heartbeat is infrequent and not associated with significant symptoms, no treatment may be necessary. However, treatment options include:
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Changes in lifestyle, such as reducing caffeine intake, managing stress, and avoiding stimulants, may reduce the frequency and severity of ectopic heartbeats.
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In some cases, beta-blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs may be prescribed to help regulate heart rhythm and prevent ectopic heartbeats.
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Using radiofrequency energy, catheter ablation destroys the areas of the heart that generate ectopic heartbeats using minimally invasive techniques.
Prevention
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of ectopic heartbeats may include:
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Ectopic heartbeats can be reduced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management.
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In susceptible individuals, avoiding triggers like caffeine, nicotine, and excessive alcohol consumption can help prevent ectopic heartbeats.
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Check-ups and screenings can help identify and treat any underlying health conditions that may contribute to ectopic heartbeats.
As a result, ectopic heartbeats are abnormal heartbeats that originate from areas other than the heart's natural pacemaker, also called premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or premature atrial contractions (PACs). Individuals and healthcare providers can effectively manage and address ectopic heartbeats when they understand its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
