Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)

Unless the condition worsens, treatment may not be necessary for individuals with premature ventricular contractions. But when treatment becomes necessary, an examination by a cardiologist is recommended.

Medication treatment for other heart-related conditions may also eliminate the symptoms of PVC.

When following up with a physician for symptoms of symptoms of PVC, an initial interview will be conducted to discuss your medical history and other important health information. During a physical exam, your doctor will check your heartbeat, check for signs of heart rhythm irregularities, and other vital signs.

When following up with a physician for an initial interview will be conducted to discuss your medical history and other important health information. A physical exam follows this interview to hear your heartbeat, check for signs of heart rhythm irregularities, and check your other vital signs.

An electrocardiogram (EKG) will be ordered to measure your heart rate, check for electrical impulse deviations, and detect arrhythmia—fluctuations in a heartbeat. Some cardiologists require a 24-hour Holter, or longer-term skin patch, monitor to measure the heart’s electrical impulses; this device can also detect PVCs.

Other diagnostic tests may be used to detect PVCs. These tests can confirm the source of the irregularity. Additional tests used to diagnose premature ventricular contractions include:

• Blood tests - These blood tests measure the amount of potassium, magnesium, and thyroid hormone levels. If the levels are compromised, PVCs are possible.
• Cardiac stress test - Your heart rate and blood flow are measured while exercising and at rest
• Cardiac MRIs or CT scans - These imaging tests produce clear and detailed pictures of the heart, surrounding structures, and the blood flow. They can highlight structural damage that could be causing PVCs.
• Angiograms - An angiogram is a scan that uses dye to highlight how well blood flows through arteries and veins. This test can detect blood vessel blockage, structural heart damage, or other heart diseases which could cause PVCs.
• Electrophysiology study - This test uses catheters and wire electrodes to measure the electrical activity of the heart, which can diagnose arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeats)