Premature ventricular contraction is a form of irregular heartbeat in which the ventricle contracts prematurely. This results in a "skipped beat" followed by a stronger beat. PVCs are also called heart palpitations (although there are many other forms of arrhythmia). The depolarization begins in the ventricle instead of the usual place, i.e. the sinus node.

PVCs are often benign but may be a sign of a heart condition. They can also occur in otherwise healthy athletes (e.g. in the days following a major effort such as a marathon).

PVCs are diagnosed by an ECG but some patients will need to wear a Holter monitor to record PVCs that occur outside the doctors office or hospital.

In healthy individuals, PVCs can often be resolved with continuous rehydration and by reinstating the balance of magnesium, calcium and potassium within the body.

Possible triggers

Anxiety/Stress,

Chocolate,

Caffeine,

Dehydration,

Lack of sleep/exhaution,

Exercise,

Calcium/magnesium imbalance,

MSG - Monosodium Glutamate,

Tight Constricting Clothing,

Large Meals,

Over the Counter Allergy/Cold Medications,

Drinking - Alcohol,

Thinking about PVCs,

Low copper,

Hormonal imbalance such as low estrogen.

Possible remedies

Avoid triggers,

Magnesium supplements (magnesium citrate, orate, others?),

Calcium supplements (citrate, other types?),

[[Hawthorn extract (how much?),

CoQ10 (how much?),

Fish oil,

Potassium citrate ,

Exercise,

Aerobic exercises,

Deep breathing ,

Hands in ice water ,

Coughing (while holding breath),

Losing weight,

Good support group -http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/PeoplewithPVCs/,

Moving around / Physical activity,

Beta blockers (Ideral, propranolol, atenolol, toprol xl),

Maalox ,

Xanax,

Kava,

Burping

See also

• Bigeminy