Do you ever feel like your heart misses a beat? There’s a good chance that what you noticed was a heartbeat that happened sooner than it usually does. When that happens, and then follows up with a fluttery or skipped beat, it could be a premature atrial contraction (PAC). You might also hear it called atrial ectopic beats or atrial premature beats. They’re
common, and most of the time, they don’t need treatment. A
similar condition -- premature ventricular contraction (PVC) -- starts in the lower chambers, called “ventricles,” of your heart. Any time your heart shifts out of its usual rhythm, doctors call it an “arrhythmia.” There are lots of different kinds, including PACs. When you have a PAC, you might notice:
CausesDoctors don’t always know the cause. But these things can make PACs more likely:
Usually, premature atrial contractions have no clear cause and no health risks. In most cases, premature atrial contractions aren’t a sign of heart disease and just happen naturally. But some people who have PACs turn out to have related heart conditions, such as:
If your doctor finds that you have a condition related to the premature heartbeats, you’ll work together to make a treatment plan. When to Call Your DoctorWhen you have single or occasional PACs, there’s usually no need to seek medical treatment. But if you have PACs often or if they really bother you, see a doctor. Based on your symptoms, your doctor may order one or more of these tests: Electrocardiogram, or
EKG. This test will show if you have arrhythmia. Holter monitor. This is a portable version of an EKG that you’ll wear for 1 or 2 days. It tracks all the electrical activity of your heart for your doctor to study. Exercise stress test. This test has you attached to an EKG while
doing physical activity like running or walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to measure how well your
heart valves and muscles work. If your test results show that you have other heart-related problems, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan for you. Most of the time, though, PACs don’t need treatment. If you have severe symptoms or find them bothersome, treatments can include: Lifestyle changes. Lower
stress, stop smoking, cut back on caffeine, and treat other health issues like sleep apnea and
high blood pressure. Medicines for arrhythmia. Take medications that are used to cut down on or end premature heartbeats. Last updated: July 12, 2022 SummarySupraventricular premature beats are atrial contractions triggered by ectopic foci rather than the sinoatrial node. They arise within the atria (atrial premature beats) or, through retrograde conduction, in the atrioventricular node (junctional premature beats). Premature beats may be found in healthy individuals as well as patients with underlying heart disease. Certain triggers, e.g., alcohol, smoking or electrolyte imbalances, may also contribute to the condition. Premature beats do not significantly impair cardiac output on their own; however, they may lead to more severe forms of arrhythmia such as atrial fibrillation. Unless patients exhibit severe symptoms (e.g., tachycardia), those experiencing premature beats do not require treatment. EtiologyClassificationAtrial premature beats
Junctional premature beats
Clinical featuresDiagnosticsTreatmentComplicationsWe list the most important complications. The selection is not exhaustive. References
What are supraventricular premature complexes?Supraventricular premature beats represent premature activation of the atria from a site other than the sinus node and can originate from the atria (premature atrial complexes [PACs]; also referred to as premature atrial beats, premature supraventricular complexes, or premature supraventricular beats) or the ...
What does sinus rhythm with premature atrial complexes mean?The steady heartbeat originating from this node is called sinus rhythm. PACs are early (i.e., premature) electrical impulses that are generated within the cardiac atria, but not from the sinus node. PACs momentarily interrupt the normal sinus rhythm by inserting an extra heartbeat.
Is sinus rhythm with PVCs life threatening?A PVC often feels like a skipped heartbeat or heart flutter. However, most people experience no symptoms at all. PVCs aren't dangerous in most people. Your risk of PVC complications increases if you have other health conditions, including heart disease.
Can premature ventricular complexes go away?They usually go away on their own. They don't need treatment. Talk to your doctor if you have other symptoms along with PVCs, such as dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting. Some people may take medicine to prevent these heartbeats and to relieve symptoms.
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What does sinus rhythm with premature supraventricular complexes mean
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