Premature ventricular contractions PVC

• Facts:
  Ectopic beats arise from ventricular foci
  Occur with increased frequency following MI
  Intermittent arrhythmia (patient in normal sinus between PVCs)
  
• History / PE:
  Usually asymptomatic
  May lead to heart palpitations
  
• Diagnosis:
  Early, wide QRS NOT preceded by a P wave
  PVCs usually followed by compensatory pause
• Treatment:
  NO treatment if asymptomatic
  Beta blockers or antiarrythmics (symptomatic)
• See Also:
  Premature atrial complexes (PVCs) may also cause palpitations
• Associated With:
  Hypoxia
  Electrolyte abnormalities
  Hyperthyroidism
• Keywords:
  Ventricular tachyarrhythmias