Premature Contraction Beat Treatment in NYC
What are premature contraction beats?
Premature contraction beats, most commonly described as your heart “skipping a beat,” are early heartbeats – meaning an extra beat of the heart that occurs sooner than usual. This often makes your next heartbeat feel stronger. Premature contractions can occur in the upper or lower chambers of your heart. Premature contractions that occur in the upper chambers of your heart are called premature atrial contractions (PACs). Premature contractions that occur in the lower chambers of your heart are called premature ventricular contractions (PVCs).
What causes premature contraction beats?
Premature contraction beats occur when your heart sends signals that may disrupt your heartbeat. This can occur as a result of damage to your heart or other diseases. The exact causes and triggers of premature contractions are not fully understood, however certain factors are associated with premature contractions, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications
- Alcohol or drug use
- Higher than normal levels of adrenaline
- Stress or fatigue
- Damage to the heart muscle from other conditions such as coronary artery disease or heart failure
- Dehydration
What are the symptoms of premature contraction beats?
Often, premature contraction beats do not present any symptoms. However, you may experience unusual feelings in your chest, such as:
- Feeling as though your heart is fluttering
- Feeling as though your heart is pounding
- Feeling as though your heart is skipping a beat
- Feeling as though your heart missed a beat
- Feeling more aware of your heartbeat
Other symptoms may include:
- Feeling tired after exercise
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
How are premature contraction beats diagnosed?
In order to diagnose premature contraction beats, your doctor may use an electrocardiogram (EKG) to help assess and evaluate any abnormalities of your heart. Sometimes, your doctor may not be able to detect any irregularities in your heartbeat during your in-office assessment. In such cases, your doctor may recommend other testing devices that can help monitor your heart outside of the office. Devices may include:
An exercise stress test may also be used to evaluate how your heart responds to physical activities, such as walking and running on a treadmill.
How are premature contraction beats treated?
In most cases, premature contraction beats will not require treatment. However, if you are experiencing symptoms that are causing disruptions to your daily life or if your doctor believes you are at risk for serious conditions of the heart, certain treatments may be recommended. Treatment options may include:
- Reducing stress levels
- Quitting smoking
- Treating other related health issues
- Certain medications
- Radiofrequency catheter ablation
Our heart and vein doctors at Heart Vein NYC have over 20 years of experience providing the New York City area with comprehensive,
