Evaluation and management of premature ventricular complexes

Cleve Clin J Med. 2013 Jun;80(6):377-87. doi: 10.3949/ccjm.80a.12168.

Abstract

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are a common cause of palpitations. Related symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, and dizziness. PVCs are also commonly detected incidentally on electrocardiography, outpatient ambulatory monitoring, and inpatient telemetry. Treatment goals include palliating symptoms, restoring cardiac function if affected, and preventing progression to tachycardia-related cardiomyopathy if the PVC burden is high, even in patients without symptoms. Responses to caffeine reduction, cessation of stimulants, and stress reduction are inconsistent. Aerobic exercise is rarely effective and can sometimes exacerbate PVCs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catheter Ablation / methods*
  • Electrocardiography*
  • Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
  • Heart Conduction System / surgery
  • Humans
  • Stroke Volume
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes* / diagnosis
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes* / physiopathology
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes* / surgery