Premature Ventricular Contraction Questions & Answers

Updated: Jan 13, 2017
  • Author: James E Keany, MD, FACEP; Chief Editor: Erik D Schraga, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is a premature ventricular contraction (PVC)?

What is the pathophysiology of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

Which factors increase the risk of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What are the cardiac causes of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What are noncardiac causes of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What is the prevalence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in the US?

What are the demographics of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What is the prognosis of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in asymptomatic patients without underlying heart disease?

What is the prognosis of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in patients with underlying chronic structural heart disease or complex ectopy?

What is the mortality and morbidity of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

Presentation

Which features of the patient history are relevant in premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

Which symptoms are pertinent to the management of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

Which physical exam findings are significant in patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

DDX

What are the differential diagnoses for Premature Ventricular Contraction?

Workup

Which lab studies are indicated in the workup of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What is the role of echocardiography in the workup of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What is the role of ECG in the workup of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What is the Lown system for grading premature beats in premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What is the role of 24-hour Holter monitoring in the workup of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What is the role of signal-averaged ECG in the workup of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What is the role of exercise stress testing (EST) in the workup of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What are the AHA/ACC recommendations on exercise stress testing (EST) in the workup of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

Treatment

When is treatment indicated for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What are the prehospital procedures for patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What are the emergency department procedures for patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What is the role of early diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemia or infarction in patients with premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

What is the role of catheter ablation in the treatment of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

Medications

Which medications are used in the treatment of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?

Which medications in the drug class Calcium channel blockers are used in the treatment of Premature Ventricular Contraction?

Which medications in the drug class Electrolytes are used in the treatment of Premature Ventricular Contraction?

Which medications in the drug class Beta-adrenergic blockers are used in the treatment of Premature Ventricular Contraction?

Which medications in the drug class Antiarrhythmics are used in the treatment of Premature Ventricular Contraction?