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Ectopic Heartbeat
Alternate Names : Extrasystole, Premature Beats, Premature Contraction, PVB (Premature Ventricular Beat), PVC (Premature Ventricular Contraction)
DefinitionEctopic heartbeat is an irregularity of the heart rate and heart rhythm involving extra or skipped heartbeats.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Ectopic heartbeats are an arrhythmia involving small variations in an otherwise normal heartbeat. In many cases, they may occur without obvious cause and be benign.
Other times, however, they are associated with electrolyte abnormalities in the blood which should be corrected. They can also be associated with ischemia, or local reduction in blood supply to the heart. In addition, ectopic beats may be caused or aggravated by excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine, certain medications, and some illicit drugs.
Ectopic beats are rare in children other than those with congenital heart disease. The majority of extra heartbeats in children are PAC's (premature atrial contractions), which are almost always benign.
In adults, ectopic beats can occur more commonly, and underlying reversible reasons should be investigated even if it turns out that no treatment is ultimately needed.
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Ectopic Heartbeat Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Ectopic Heartbeat Symptoms & Signs
• Ectopic Heartbeat Prevention
• Ectopic Heartbeat Diagnosis & Tests
• Ectopic Heartbeat Treatment
• Ectopic Heartbeat Prognosis
• Ectopic Heartbeat Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Arrhythmias
• Heart Disease
• Ventricular Tachycardia
Tests & Exams
• Blood Pressure
• Coronary Angiography
• ECG
• Echocardiogram
• Pulse
Other Topics
• Aggravated By
• Alcohol Use
• Benign
• Caffeine in the Diet
• Chest Pain
• Heartbeat Sensations
• Physical Examination
Review Date : 5/9/2002
Reviewed By : Elena Sgarbossa, M.D., Department of Cardiology, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Ctr., Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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