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Premature Ventricular Contractions

Premature Ventricular Contractions: Causes and Treatment

Premature ventricular contractions don't typically cause severe symptoms or serious health concerns, though they might exacerbate existing heart conditions.

At CardioVascular Health Clinic, we offer comprehensive heart care services, helping our diverse patient community address both common and complex heart health issues.

What Are Premature Ventricular Contractions?

Premature ventricular contractions are irregular heartbeats that are triggered by electrical signals from the lower heart chambers instead of the upper chambers. They don't typically cause significant symptoms or necessarily lead to medical complications. However, if they persist for years, the heart muscle might weaken.

Most people will have a premature ventricular contraction at some point – roughly 75% of the global population will experience heartbeat irregularities. The following conditions can trigger premature ventricular contractions:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Low electrolytes
  • Heart attack
  • Coronary artery disease

What Are Symptoms of Premature Ventricular Contractions?

Premature ventricular contractions don't always cause detectable symptoms, but they might cause a fluttering sensation or the feeling that the heart is skipping a beat. However, more noticeable symptoms might include the following:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Racing heart
  • Throbbing in the neck

The presence of additional heart conditions might lead to feeling short of breath.

Premature Atrial Contractions Vs. Premature Ventricular Contractions

Premature atrial contractions differ from premature ventricular contractions in that premature atrial contractions occur as a result of premature electrical signals from the upper heart chambers. Both issues trigger unnecessary heartbeats, and both are sometimes symptomless.

Premature atrial contractions and premature ventricular contractions are two of the most prevalent types of arrhythmias.

Both issues are triggered by premature electrical activation in your heart. This anomaly leads to premature heart muscle contractions, which causes more heartbeats than necessary. When the heart beats unnecessarily, the natural heart rhythm is disrupted. Additional heartbeats can lead to a weakening of the heart muscle over time.

Premature atrial contractions and premature ventricular contractions are fairly common conditions that generally don't require treatment. However, your physician might recommend medication if premature atrial contractions occur frequently.

Treatment for Premature Ventricular Contractions

During your doctor's visit, you will be asked about your symptoms and health history. Your doctor will also listen to your heartbeat and assess any possible irregularities.

Your doctor might suggest other screenings if you experience premature ventricular contractions frequently. 

  • Blood tests. The blood tests screen for electrolyte deficiencies and check hormone balance.  
  • Cardiac stress tests. Cardiac stress tests check your blood flow and heart rate during physical exertion. 
  • Medical imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography scans (CT), and ultrasound imaging allow your medical team to visualize your heart and its function.

Additional tests might include imaging scans like electrocardiography (EKG) so that your doctor can detect additional heartbeats. However, patients who experience premature ventricular contractions erratically might be asked to wear a device like a Holter monitor that measures cardiac activity over the course of multiple days.

If your premature ventricular contractions are rare, your physician might not recommend treatment. However, persistent, frequent premature ventricular contractions could cause structural damage to the heart, so medications that manage heart rate or blood pressure might be appropriate.

If you are concerned about your heart health, please contact our dedicated representatives for a thorough evaluation today.

Patient Resources

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Testimonials

I’m about one month out and things are so much better. At my two week evaluation my symptom score had gone from a 27 to a 7, and I’m sure it’s even better now. That speaks volumes. Now that I’m post recovery, there is no incontinence, I go to the bathroom much less and there are no ED side effects like there are with other procedures. In regard to my quality of life, well, I don’t maintain my life based on my proximity to a bathroom anymore.

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Blaine P., M.D.
Professional staff working in a beautiful facility with great doctors who sincerely care about their patients. Without Dr. Schmidt's skill, I would have needed heart bypass surgery instead of a stent. Follow-up has been thorough. I can't recommend them highly enough.
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LeAnn H.

Dr. Jim Melton and all the staff are fantastic. He is an excellent surgeon and his team is GREAT!!!! I just had surgery at the surgery center, I have only great things to say about my experience. Without him I really don't think I would be here to write this. If you’re looking for a good cardiovascular team, they are a 5 star for sure.

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Susie H.

Dr. Parsons and staff are amazing. He truly listened to me from the consult. Staff showed genuine care for my progress post procedure. I had my follow up appointment today so satisfied with results. Blake made me comfortable from the start. He is an activist for uterine fibroids treatment beyond the standard.

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Tamara M.

Professional and caring staff. Dr. Smith is very knowledgeable and shows genuine concern for your personal health. I enjoyed the background music in the procedure room, it really adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

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David L.

Dr. John Schrader is the most personable doctor we know. He stays on top of my dads health care and is genuinely concerned about his health. We never leave his office with questions. He answers them all. Even questions we don’t think of. Always professional but never cold or bad bedside manner. In our opinion he is THE BEST around.
Thank you Dr Schrader.

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Kathy J.

I came to Dr. Warren by a self referral for mals when it took me 8yrs 50+ doctors and thousands of dollars spent on no answers. My first visit I was scared I was just going to be gaslighted just like the past however I was pleasantly shocked when Dr. Warren immediately believed me. She took the time to review many disk I had brought from past tests. She never once dismissed me and listened to ever word I had to say. She scheduled one last test to confirm the diagnosis then I was scheduled for surgery right away. Surgery was a success and I can’t thank her and her staff enough. Dr. Warren truly saved my life.

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Angie W.

Dr. Garner literally saved my life 18 months ago and I've followed him to his new practice with Cardiovascular Health. He explains things so clearly, listens and is just a very nice person. His staff is great, too! I highly recommend!

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D Watts

Some of the nicest staff that I have ever dealt with!! They have been so incredibly awesome to my mom!! Would definitely recommend them to anyone!! Thank you so much for being so great with her!!

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Christy G.

The staff, the nurses, and Dr. Parsons were all amazing. Everything was simple and went well – very Bravo Zulu (military phrase meaning "well done"). In addition to the great staff at CardioVascular Health Clinic, the facilities were clean and well maintained. I have no complaints about anything. The whole experience was A1. I would recommend Dr. Parsons to anyone. He made a huge impact on my life.

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