Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Premature Ventricular Complex – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547713/

  Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), or premature ventricular contractions, are ectopic heartbeats originating from the ventricles. Common across diverse populations, they may occur in patients with or without preexisting cardiac conditions. […] Studies on the prevalence of PVCs often derive from ECG or Holter monitor databases, where higher rates are expected due to the clinical setting. Early research showed a prevalence of 7.8 per 1000 over a 48-second ECG, with rates increasing with age. More recent studies, eg, the Cardiovascular Health Study, found PVCs in 1.8% to 5.2% of participants using 10-second ECGs, with prevalence rising with more extended monitoring. A 24-hour Holter monitoring detected PVCs in 69% of healthy adults in 1 study and nearly all elderly participants in another. Longer monitoring and newer wearable technologies reveal even higher detection rates, emphasizing the increasing prevalence of PVCs with age and extended observation durations.

• #1 Premature ventricular complexes: Clinical presentation and diagnostic evaluation – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/premature-ventricular-complexes-clinical-presentation-and-diagnostic-evaluation

  Premature ventricular complexes/contractions (PVCs; also referred to as premature ventricular beats, premature ventricular depolarizations, or ventricular extrasystoles) are triggered from the ventricular myocardium in a variety of situations. PVCs are common and occur in a broad spectrum of the population. This includes patients without structural heart disease and those with any form of cardiac disease, independent of severity. […] The prevalence of PVCs is directly related to the study population, the detection method, and the duration of observation. PVCs are more likely to be detected in older patients, patients with more comorbidities, and patients who are monitored for longer durations of time. […] In patients with no known heart disease, PVCs have been seen in approximately 1 percent of routine 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) of 30 to 60 seconds duration and up to 6 percent of ECGs of two minutes duration. By comparison, when 24-hour ambulatory monitoring is used, up to 80 percent of apparently healthy people have occasional PVCs. The occurrence of frequent PVCs accounting for more than 20 percent of overall heart beats is rare, seen in less than 2 percent of patients. […] There is an age-related increase in the prevalence of PVCs in normal individuals and those with underlying heart disease. The prevalence of PVCs increase with age and in the presence of other factors, such as faster sinus rate, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypertension.

• #1

  https://journals.lww.com/cardiologyinreview/fulltext/9900/the_significance_of_premature_ventricular.439.aspx

  The incidence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in a structurally normal heart can result in clinically significant consequences, including PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. […] PVCs can be seen in patients who are otherwise healthy with no known heart disease, known as idiopathic PVCs. In the general healthy population, PVCs were identified in 1% to 4% of individuals when evaluating a single 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). […] A study performed by Brodsky et al examined 50 medical students with no known existing cardiovascular disease with 24-hour ECG monitoring; 50% of these students had PVCs, and 2% had 80 PVCs within 24 hours. […] PVC prevalence is age-dependent, with 1% seen in children under 11 years and 69% in subjects over 75 years. […] One significant clinical concern in the management of a patient with PVCs is the development of PVC-CM. PVCs can lead to both ventricular and atrial remodeling in patients.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Complexes: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/761148-overview

  Data from the Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza dell’Infarto Miocardico 2 study demonstrated that 64% of patients who had MI then had ventricular arrhythmia and 20% of patients had more than 10 PVCs per hour when 24-h Holter monitoring was used. […] The Framingham heart study demonstrated increased prevalence of PVCs in men compared with women. The difference was especially higher in men with CAD than in women with CAD. […] The ARIC trial found that over 6% of middle-aged adults have PVCs on 2-minute ECGs. As noted above, the study also showed Black ethnicity and male sex are associated with a greater prevalence of PVCs. […] PVCs are uncommon in children (suggested prevalence rate of 0.8-2.2% from the Vanderbilt Medical Center; exact prevalence not known). Prevalence increases with age.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Complex – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547713/

  According to the Framingham Heart Study, the prevalence of PVCs was found to be higher in 1-hour continuous ECG monitoring, with 33% being men and 32% women with no history of any coronary artery disease. For those patients with coronary artery disease, the prevalence was comparatively higher, with 58% in men and women 49%. […] The variability in the reported data differs due to the different monitoring techniques and duration used to calculate PVC prevalence. Several factors are involved in this diversity, including coronary heart disease, African-American ethnicity, male gender, older age, hypertension, faster sinus rates, lower serum potassium or magnesium levels, and lower education level.

• #1 Current Concepts of Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4390755/

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common with an estimated prevalence of 40% to 75% in the general population on 24- to 48-hour Holter monitoring. […] Traditionally, they have been thought to be relatively benign in the absence of structural heart disease but they represent increased risk of sudden death in structural heart disease. […] The incidence, frequency, and complexity of ventricular arrhythmias were greater in the presence of known or suspected heart disease. PVCs and runs of NSVT in subjects with structural heart disease contribute to an increased mortality risk, the magnitude of which varies with the nature and extent of the underlying disease. […] The presence of more than 10 PVBs per hour or of complex ventricular arrhythmias was significantly associated with a higher mortality risk regardless of the presence of LV dysfunction.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Complexes: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/761148-overview

  Although the reported prevalence of PVCs varies between studies, depending on the population studied, duration of observation, and method of detection, PVCs are very common in most patients with long-term ambulatory monitoring. PVCs appear on standard electrocardiograms (ECGs) in an estimated 1% of clinically normal individuals and in 40-75% of healthy people evaluated by short-term ambulatory monitoring. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) trial found a higher PVC prevalence with increasing age, Black ethnicity, male sex, and lower education, as well with the presence of structural heart disease, hypertension, and lower levels of serum magnesium or potassium. […] In asymptomatic patients, PVCs are infrequently noted when only a single 12-lead ECG is used for ascertainment. The Framingham heart study (with 1-h ambulatory ECG) suggested that the prevalence rate of 1 or more PVCs per hour was 33% in men without coronary artery disease (CAD) and 32% in women without CAD. Among patients with CAD, the prevalence rate of 1 or more PVCs was 58% in men and 49% in women. Other studies using 24-hour ambulatory monitoring showed a PVC prevalence rate of 41% in healthy teenage boys aged 14-16 years, 50-60% in healthy young adults, and 84% in healthy elderly persons aged 73-82 years. PVCs also are common in patients with hypertension, ventricular hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, and mitral valve prolapse.

• #1 Premature ventricular contraction – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premature_ventricular_contraction

  Single PVCs are common in healthy persons. When 24-hour ambulatory monitoring is used, up to 80 percent of apparently healthy people have occasional PVCs. Rates vary by age with extremely rare for those under the age of 11 and extremely common in those older than 75 years. […] In 101 people free of heart disease during 24 hours Holter monitoring, 39 had at least 1 PVC, and 4 at least 100. Heart disease was excluded after physical examination, chest x-ray, ECG, echocardiography, maximal exercise stress test, right- and left-heart catheterization and coronary angiography. […] In 122,043 United States Air Force flyers and cadet applicants during approximately 48 seconds of ECG 0.78% (952 males) had PVC within all age groups, but with increased incidence with increasing age. […] Ventricular ectopy is more prevalent in men than in women of the same age; data from large, population-based studies indicate that the prevalence is less for young white women without heart disease and greater for older African American individuals with hypertension.

• #1 Prevalence and heart rate variability characteristics of premature ventricular contractions detected by 24-hour Holter among outpatients with palpitations in China: a cross-sectional study | BMJ Open

  https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/8/e059337

  The prevalence of PVC was 67.7% (3220/4754), and was higher in men than women (69.9% vs 66.0%, p=0.004); the prevalence of frequent PVCs (PVC burden5%) was 7.7% (368/4754). […] The prevalence of PVC detected by 24-hour Holter monitoring among 4754 patients with palpitations is shown in figure 2. A total of 3220 (67.7%) patients had at least one PVC, with 2852 (60.0%) having PVC burden5%and 368 (7.7%) having PVC burden5%. […] The prevalence of PVC in our population was 67.7% and was higher in men; the prevalence of frequent PVCs was 7.7%. […] The prevalence of PVC detected by 24-hour Holter in Chinese outpatients with palpitations were 67.7% and 7.7%, respectively. Decreased HRV time-domain parameters suggested the occurrence of PVC, and increased LF/HF ratio represented the imbalance of the autonomic nervous system in patients with frequent PVCs. Further studies are needed to understand the HRV indexes in PVC patients.

• #1 Premature ventricular contraction epidemiology and demographics – wikidoc

  https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Premature_ventricular_contraction_epidemiology_and_demographics

  The prevalence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) varies between 100 to 400 per 100,000 individuals worldwide on standard 12-lead electrocardiography and 4000 to 7500 per 100,000 individuals on 24- to 48-hour Holter monitoring. […] Patients of all age groups may develop PVC. […] The incidence of PVCs increases with age. […] African- American individuals are more likely to develop PVCs. […] Men are more commonly developed PVCs than women.

• #1 Clinical Significance of Idiopathic Frequent Premature Ventricular Complexes | USC Journal

  https://www.uscjournal.com/articles/clinical-significance-idiopathic-frequent-premature-ventricular-complexes?language_content_entity=en

  Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in the absence of underlying structural heart disease are often benign. […] However, there exists a subset of patients with frequent PVCs that may develop cardiomyopathy and heart failure. […] The prevalence of PVCs in the population inherently depends on the type and duration of screening. […] A PVC burden of 60/h was reported in 14 % of the general population. […] The prognosis in patients with frequent PVCs is affected by the presence of underlying cardiac disease. […] In the absence of other cardiac disease, the prognosis of patients with frequent idiopathic PVCs is determined by a number of factors, including PVC frequency. […] The majority of data suggest that patients with low to moderate PVC burdens and without structural heart disease will have a benign clinical course, with treatment focussed on symptom management.

• #1 Electrocardiographic Characteristics, Identification, and Management of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/19/3094

  Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) constitute one of the most common arrhythmias encountered in clinical practice. Contemporary data suggest an increasing incidence of idiopathic PVCs, defined as PVCs without apparent structural heart disease. The prevalence of PVCs is proportional to the monitoring duration. A study among 122 043 US Air Force personnel demonstrated at least 1 PVC in 8 per 1000 participants, during a 48-s ECG recording. PVCs were detected in 5.5% of participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, based on a 2 min ECG. […] Notably, there are no epidemiological data on the prevalence high burden (>5 or 10%) idiopathic (i.e., without concomitant structural heart disease) PVCs in random Holter monitoring data. When 24 h Holter monitoring was implemented among healthy adults, 69% of participants had at least one PVC, with a median PVC count of 2 and a 95th percentile of 193 PVCs. In a population of 1424 community-dwelling individuals who underwent Holter monitoring, increasing age, smoking status, elevated systolic blood pressure, and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction were independently associated with increased PVC frequency. Even though most patients with PVCs experience no symptoms, PVC-related symptoms can lead to worsened quality-of-life and include palpitations, chest discomfort and dizziness.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17381-premature-ventricular-contractions

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a type of irregular heartbeat. They occur when the electrical signal to start your heartbeat comes from your lower heart chambers. PVCs are common and usually aren’t dangerous. Your risk of complications increases if you have another heart condition, such as heart disease or a congenital heart defect. […] PVCs can happen in anyone, but they’re more common in older adults and those with heart disease. Your risk for PVCs also increases if you have: Heart failure. High blood pressure (hypertension). History of heart attacks. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. […] PVCs are quite common. Up to 75% of people experience them. […] PVCs typically aren’t life-threatening. But they may damage your heart muscle if they repeatedly occur for a long period. […] Generally, premature ventricular contractions have a positive outlook. They don’t increase the risk of health complications in most people. Your risk of health complications, including a shorter lifespan, increases if you have other health problems or a history of heart attacks. […] PVCs can increase your risk of sudden cardiac death if you have underlying structural heart disease or if they arise from specific areas in your heart. However, in most people, PVCs are benign and don’t lead to sudden cardiac death.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Complex (PVC) • LITFL • ECG Library Diagnosis

  https://litfl.com/premature-ventricular-complex-pvc-ecg-library/

  PVCs are said to be frequent if there are more than 5 PVCs per minute on the routine ECG, or more than 10-30 per hour during ambulatory monitoring. […] Frequent PVCs may cause palpitations and a sense of the heart skipping a beat. […] Frequent PVCs are usually benign, except in the context of an prolonged QTc, when they may predispose to malignant ventricular arrhythmias such as Torsades de Pointes by causing R on T phenomenon. […] PVCs are a normal electrophysiological phenomenon not usually requiring investigation or treatment.

• #1 Premature ventricular contractions: Reassure or refer? | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

  https://www.ccjm.org/content/83/7/524

  When patients present with palpitations, the primary care physician can perform the initial evaluation and treatment for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Many patients need only reassurance and do not need to see a cardiologist. […] The focus of the initial evaluation is to determine whether there is underlying structural heart disease. If there is, early referral to a specialist is probably warranted. […] Idiopathic PVCs (in which there is no structural heart disease) have a benign prognosis. […] Patients who have a high PVC burden ( 10% of total heartbeats, though this is a subject of debate) should have an evaluation of their systolic function. If it is normal at baseline, periodic follow-up echocardiograms should be considered. […] Patients with a very high burden ( 20%) are at high risk of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. In these patients, referral is prudent, as some patients may opt for more aggressive treatment of their PVCs.

• #1 Premature ventricular contractions: Reassure or refer? | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

  https://www.ccjm.org/content/83/7/524

  Given the importance of knowing whether the patient has structural heart disease, we have a low threshold for ordering echocardiography, especially if nonsustained ventricular tachycardia has been documented. The finding of significant systolic dysfunction on echocardiography should prompt a cardiology consultation even if the physical examination is normal. In patients who have a high PVC burden, echocardiography is used to monitor for arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. […] Even if they have no symptoms or only minimal symptoms, patients with a high PVC burden require follow-up because of the association between frequent PVCs and arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. […] What constitutes a high PVC burden remains a matter of debate. Left ventricular dysfunction has generally been reported at PVC burdens above 15% to 25% of the total cardiac beats, though this percentage can be as low as 10%. […] Referral to discuss catheter ablation of the PVCs should be considered for patients who have undergone unsuccessful attempts at drug therapy for either symptoms or PVC-related cardiomyopathy.

• #1 Current Concepts of Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4390755/

  The prevalence and complexity of ambulatory ventricular arrhythmias increase dramatically as LV function deteriorates. […] The presence of complex ventricular arrhythmias (especially NSVT) on ambulatory monitoring predicts total cardiac mortality but does not identify patients who are destined to die suddenly. […] PVCs have been thought to be relatively benign in the absence of structural heart disease. […] The concept of PVC-induced CMP was proposed when pharmacological suppression of PVCs in patients with presumed idiopathic dilated CMP subsequently improved LV systolic dysfunction. […] The frequency of PVCs correlates at least modestly with the extent of LV dysfunction and ventricular dilation.

• #1 When to worry about premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)

  https://www.healthline.com/health/arrhythmia/when-to-worry-about-pvc

  Premature ventricular contractions are common and usually no cause for concern. But sometimes you may need to see a doctor. […] PVCs can happen to you at any age. […] Holter monitor studies suggest that up to 75% of people experience PVCs without any symptoms. […] PVCs also increase in frequency with age. […] There could be a risk of complications if you are older and have an underlying heart condition, such as heart disease. […] According to a 2017 report, having more than 10,000 and up to 20,000 PVCs a day can decrease your hearts function. […] Some studies say that having more than 1,000 PVCs a day can weaken your left ventricle over several years. […] If your doctor has already diagnosed heart disease, PVCs can increase your mortality risk or risk for early death. […] Having thousands of PVCs a day can put you at risk for decreased heart function.

• #1 Electrocardiographic Characteristics, Identification, and Management of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/19/3094

  PVC burden has been shown to be the strongest independent predictor of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy in several studies. The cut-off value that separates those at high risk of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy ranges from 16% to 26%, in different studies. Current guidelines report that a PVC burden of 10% seems to be the minimal threshold for development of LV dysfunction, with higher risk when the PVC burden is >20%. […] Catheter ablation is an effective option to reduce or eliminate PVCs. In a multicenter cohort study of 1185 patients, acute procedural success was accomplished in 84% of the participants. Catheter ablation demonstrates superior efficacy and safety compared with anti-arrhythmic drug therapy, especially in RVOT-originating arrhythmias. These results are consistent with a recent meta-analysis among randomized and non-randomized trials. Catheter ablation was associated with reduced PVC recurrence, frequency, and burden. Complication and adverse event rates were lower in the catheter ablation group. The majority of complications from catheter ablation are related to vascular access and include pseudoaneurysm, hematoma, and arteriovenous fistula. Major complications are rare and include mostly pericardial tamponade and atrioventricular block.

• #1

  https://journals.lww.com/cardiologyinreview/fulltext/9900/the_significance_of_premature_ventricular.439.aspx

  The risk factors for the formation of PVC-CM are age, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, epicardial origin of PVC, and PVC burden. […] The development of PVC-CM is usually seen with a high burden of PVCs and uncommon with a burden of 10%. […] The timing of initiating treatment is important to consider when approaching the management of a patient with PVCs in a structurally normal heart. […] One study showed the prognostic significance of frequent PVCs in patients with normal LV function. […] Patients with PVCs and without structural heart disease were also shown to not have a higher mortality than the general population.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Complexes | Thoracic Key

  https://thoracickey.com/premature-ventricular-complexes/

  Frequent PVCs (30/hour) have been associated with increased mortality in men without coronary disease. […] The primary risk in patients with idiopathic frequent PVCs seems to be progression to cardiomyopathy rather than sudden death. […] Although a PVC burden of 24% has been associated with impaired left ventricular (LV) function, it is important to note that cardiomyopathy has also developed with considerably less frequent PVCs and has been reported with a burden as low as 4%. […] Therefore, factors other than the PVC burden affect the development of cardiomyopathy. […] Longer duration of PVCs is believed to be contributory to the development of LV dysfunction.

• #1 Evaluation of Premature Ventricular Contractions in Children with Structurally Normal Hearts: A Single-Center Study – The Journal of Pediatric Research

  https://jpedres.org/articles/evaluation-of-premature-ventricular-contractions-in-children-with-structurally-normal-hearts-a-single-center-study/doi/jpr.galenos.2024.60094

  Premature ventricular contractions are a prevalent arrhythmia in children, with the majority of cases exhibiting normal cardiac function and no anatomical abnormalities. […] PVCs are one of the most prevalent rhythm problems in children. PVCs are usually asymptomatic in children and are diagnosed incidentally due to electrocardiography (ECG) evaluations performed for different purposes. Nearly all these cases have normal cardiac functioning and lack any structural cardiac abnormalities. […] PVCs with a structurally normal heart in children are thought to be benign, although some studies have suggested adverse outcomes. Evidence from studies on the long-term consequences of PVCs shows that this arrhythmia is usually benign, and spontaneous regression is observed in the majority of cases.

• #1 Evaluation of Premature Ventricular Contractions in Children with Structurally Normal Hearts: A Single-Center Study – The Journal of Pediatric Research

  https://jpedres.org/articles/evaluation-of-premature-ventricular-contractions-in-children-with-structurally-normal-hearts-a-single-center-study/doi/jpr.galenos.2024.60094

  PVCs often originate from the right ventricle. […] In addition to the absence of structural heart disease, the absence of a family history of arrhythmia and the reduction of PVCs with exercise have been evaluated as good prognoses in many studies. […] PVCs are classified as frequent if they are 10% in 24 hours, and it is well known that this group of patients should be constantly monitored for the development of cardiomyopathy. […] In none of our patients during follow-up, malignant arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death were observed. However, we could not detect the prevalence of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy as check-up ECHO evaluation was not performed. […] PVCs, frequently encountered in childhood clinical practice and diagnosed incidentally, show a good prognosis in those children without structural heart disease. The majority of individuals are asymptomatic, and the rate of spontaneous regression is exceedingly high, regardless of the underlying cause. There may be no need for medical treatment to reduce the frequency of PVCs.

• #1 Evaluation of Premature Ventricular Contractions in Children with Structurally Normal Hearts: A Single-Center Study – The Journal of Pediatric Research

  https://jpedres.org/articles/evaluation-of-premature-ventricular-contractions-in-children-with-structurally-normal-hearts-a-single-center-study/doi/jpr.galenos.2024.60094

  PVCs are an abnormal heart rhythm frequently seen in children. However, patients with frequent PVCs, even if isolated, are more likely to develop ventricular tachycardia (VT). […] PVCs are prevalent cardiac arrhythmias in children, and their prevalence varies with age. Although asymptomatic PVCs are generally considered harmless in children, cardiac dysfunction can occur in certain patients, especially those with frequent PVCs. […] The clinical characteristics, ECG, ECHO, exercise test, first and last Holter ECG, and long-term follow-up results of 60 pediatric patients diagnosed with PVCs were investigated in this study. […] In our study, 31.7% of the children experienced a partial improvement in the incidence of PVCs, while 16.7% showed complete resolution. […] In our study, beta-blockers were the most commonly used antiarrhythmic drugs to reduce PVCs.

• #1 Neonatal frequent premature ventricular contraction | BMJ Case Reports

  https://casereports.bmj.com/content/16/2/e254837

  Even in the absence of underlying disease, frequent PVCs may rarely develop in otherwise healthy neonates. In these cases, PVCs usually resolve within a few months of birth, which is much earlier than in adolescent patients. This rapid resolution may be explained by the pathogenesis of frequent neonatal PVCs, which is thought to be due to immature cardiac conduction tissue and autonomic nervous system. Antiarrhythmic medication would not be needed unless other types of arrhythmia developed during follow-up. […] Neonatal frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are defined as PVCs over 60 beats/hour. The underlying cardiac or systemic illnesses should be evaluated. If there were no underlying illnesses, neonatal frequent PVCs would follow a self-limiting course, which usually resolves spontaneously within a few months of birth.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) and Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs) | Frankel Cardiovascular Center | Michigan Medicine

  https://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs-and-premature

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra, abnormal heartbeats that begin in the ventricles, or lower pumping chambers, and disrupt your regular heart rhythm, sometimes causing you to feel a skipped beat or palpitations. PVCs also called also called premature ventricular complexes, ventricular premature beats and extrasystoles are very common and usually harmless. […] PVCs occur when ventricle contractions beat sooner than the next expected regular heartbeat, often interrupting the normal order of pumping. The extra beat is followed by a stronger heartbeat, which creates the feeling of a skipped beat or a flutter. These extra beats are usually less effective in pumping blood throughout the body. […] PVCs may be diagnosed during an electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a routine heart test, or through a portable ECG such as a Holter monitor, a portable device worn for a period of time to capture abnormal heart rhythms.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Contraction | Valley Health System

  https://www.valleyhealth.com/services/premature-ventricular-contraction

  If PVCs occur very frequently (for example more than 10% of all heartbeats), they can weaken the heart over time, leading to a condition called PVC-induced cardiomyopathy, where the heart’s ability to pump blood is reduced. […] In people with pre-existing heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure, frequent PVCs may indicate more significant electrical instability in the heart and could increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. […] PVCs can be detected during a routine electrocardiogram (ECG) performed in your physician’s office or in the hospital. […] To quantify the amount of PVCs, patients are often required to have a Holter monitor or a wearable event monitor, which monitor the heart rate and rhythm for longer duration. […] Once the presence of PVCs have been confirmed, patients may require further testing, such as an echocardiogram, to evaluate underlying heart issues like cardiomyopathies. […] Treatment for PVCs depends on their frequency, presence of symptoms, and whether they are associated with underlying heart conditions.

• #1 Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs): Symptoms and more

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ventricular-premature-complexes

  These complications include left ventricular dysfunction and dilated cardiomyopathy. […] Both conditions enlarge and weaken the hearts main pumping chamber, which can lead to heart failure. […] Another possible complication is sustained ventricular tachycardia. […] Finally, frequent PVCs may lead to sudden cardiac arrest. […] Typically, the first step in diagnosing PVCs is a 12-lead EKG, which is a test that checks for atypical beats in the hearts lower chambers. […] Continuous monitoring records heart activity and helps doctors differentiate PVCs from other rhythm problems and assess the risk of PVCs leading to problems such as cardiomyopathy. […] Typically, someone who experiences occasional, asymptomatic PVCs does not require treatment. […] If they become more frequent, doctors may recommend avoiding stimulants, such as caffeine, replenishing electrolytes, and stress reduction.

• #1 Clinical Significance of Idiopathic Frequent Premature Ventricular Complexes | USC Journal

  https://www.uscjournal.com/articles/clinical-significance-idiopathic-frequent-premature-ventricular-complexes?language_content_entity=en

  In patients with very frequent PVCs, the risk for development as well as the reversibility of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy is well established. […] The occurrence of SCD in patients with idiopathic PVCs is low, although difficult to quantitate due to its rarity. […] Most patients with PVCs in the absence of structural heart disease have a benign clinical course and can be treated based on symptoms. […] Patients with frequent idiopathic PVCs are at a higher risk for development of cardiomyopathy and heart failure. […] In asymptomatic patients with very frequent PVCs and preserved cardiac function, regular follow-up and monitoring of cardiac function is warranted.

• #1 Frequent ventricular extrasystoles: significance, prognosis and treatment

  https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-9/Frequent-ventricular-extrasystoles-significance-prognosis-and-treatment

  For more than 20 years now, it has been accepted that the presence of PVCs in the absence of structural heart disease entails a favorable benign prognosis, even when they arise frequently. […] The prognostic significance of PVCs in ischemic heart disease is less benign. Indeed, in patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction, the presence of PVCs has been associated with an increase of up to three times the risk of sudden death. […] Risk of sudden cardiac death from malignant ventricular arrhythmia should be considered in patients with heart disease who have frequent PVCs. […] PVCs have also been shown to trigger malignant ventricular arrhythmias in certain patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and other syndromes.

• #1 Electrocardiographic Characteristics, Identification, and Management of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/19/3094

  PVCs have consistently been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes among patients with pre-existing structural heart disease. The association between PVCs and increased mortality in the context of ischemic heart disease is well established, as numerous historical studies provide relevant data. Initial efforts for pharmacological suppression of PVCs in survivors of myocardial infarction, using class IC antiarrhythmics, led to detrimental effects on total mortality, now known to stem from the untoward interplay between abnormal substrate (scar and ischemia) and pharmacodynamics of this particular class. […] The association between the presence of PVCs in patients with apparently normal hearts and adverse cardiovascular outcomes has been a matter of debate. A hallmark study in 1985 reported no difference in prognosis between 70 asymptomatic, healthy participants with ventricular ectopy and the general population. In the first meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies of participants without clinically apparent heart disease, the presence of PVCs was associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. However, the exclusion of structural heart disease was not based on advanced tests, and the risk was also correlated with presence of cardiovascular risk factors.

• #1 Frequent ventricular extrasystoles: significance, prognosis and treatment

  https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-9/Frequent-ventricular-extrasystoles-significance-prognosis-and-treatment

  Frequent and apparently idiopathic premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are usually considered a benign condition that can be managed with conservative measures. […] It is a relatively common occurrence for cardiovascular clinicians to see patients with frequent premature ventricular contractions. […] Premature ventricular contractions have been described in 1% of clinically normal people as detected by a standard ECG and 40-75% of apparently healthy persons as detected by 24-48 hour ambulatory (Holter) ECG recordings. […] Additionaly, both the incidence and complexity of PVCs is increased in almost all heart disease, and could be 90% in coronary artery disease and dilated cardiomyopathy. […] Other studies such as MRFIT and data from the Framingham Heart Study have linked the frequent occurrence of PVCs with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death and death from any cause.

• #1 Premature ventricular contraction increases the risk of heart failure and ventricular tachyarrhythmia | Scientific Reports

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-92088-0

  Premature ventricular contraction (PVC), a common arrhythmia affecting 12% of the general population, has been considered to have a benign clinical course. However, people with PVC often develop heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia. […] People with newly diagnosed PVC in 2009 had a significantly higher incidence of heart failure compared to those without PVC [adjusted hazard ratio (HR)1.371; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1771.598; p0.001]. […] The incidence of ventricular arrhythmia was also significantly increased in people with PVC (HR5.588; 95% CI4.5536.859;p 0.001). […] In conclusion, the incidence of heart failure and ventricular arrhythmia was significantly increased in people with PVC. Serial outpatient follow-up of people with PVC can be helpful for early detection of heart failure and lethal ventricular arrhythmias.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) | HealthLink BC

  https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthwise/premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are heartbeats that occur earlier than they should. These early beats briefly interrupt the heart’s rhythm. […] A PVC may feel like a skipped heartbeat or a flutter. They are common in children and teens as well as in adults. […] In people who have healthy hearts, occasional PVCs are nothing to worry about. They usually go away on their own. They don’t need treatment. […] If you have a known heart problem, such as heart failure or a heart attack, PVCs may be a sign that a dangerous heart rhythm could occur. So if you have a heart problem, talk to your doctor if you feel any change in your heartbeat. […] The cause of PVCs usually isn’t known. But the chance of having PVCs can be increased by: Having too much or too little of certain minerals (electrolytes) in your body. Having too little oxygen in your blood, which could happen if you have COPD or pneumonia. Using some medicines. Using caffeine or alcohol. Smoking.

• #1 Association of Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) with hematological parameters: a data mining approach | Scientific Reports

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-86557-z

  Premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is characterized by early repolarization of the myocardium originating from Purkinje fibers. PVC may occur in individuals who are otherwise healthy. However, it may be associated with some pathological conditions. In this research the association between hematological factors and PVC was studied. The association of hematological factors with PVC was evaluated using different machine learning (ML) algorithms, including logistic regression (LR), C5.0, and boosting decision tree (DT). Some hematological factors associated with PVC were found using ML models. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in other populations, considering the novelty of the exploration of the relationship between hematological parameters and PVC. […] PVC is seen among 14% of the general population and can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, heart failure, and syncope. Previous studies have shown that CBC components are associated with certain cardiac diseases, such as coronary heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, and endothelial dysfunction. In addition, it has been reported that PVC is associated with ventricular dysfunction.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) | Longmore Clinic

  https://longmoreclinic.org/premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs-causes-symptoms-and-management/

  PVCs are generally harmless, but in some cases, they can lead to complications: Reduced Heart Function: Frequent PVCs can eventually weaken the heart, leading to heart failure. […] PVCs may be triggered or exacerbated by specific factors: Physical Activity: While exercise is beneficial for heart health, intense physical activity can sometimes trigger PVCs in susceptible individuals. […] For individuals with frequent PVCs, regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial. This allows for monitoring of symptoms, assessment of treatment effectiveness, and early detection of any complications. […] Magnesium is an essential electrolyte that plays a role in maintaining normal heart rhythm. Some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may reduce PVC frequency, particularly in individuals with low magnesium levels.

• #1 Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs?content_id=CON-20376741

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common. […] Premature ventricular contractions are a common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). […] Occasional premature ventricular contractions in people without heart disease usually aren’t a concern and likely don’t need treatment. […] Certain lifestyle choices and health conditions may make a person more likely to develop premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). […] Risk factors for PVCs include: Caffeine, Tobacco, Alcohol, Stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamines, Exercise if you have certain types of PVCs, Anxiety, Heart attack, Heart disease, including congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure and a weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). […] Having frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or certain patterns of them might increase the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). […] Rarely, when accompanied by heart disease, frequent premature contractions can lead to chaotic, dangerous heart rhythms and possibly sudden cardiac death.

• #1 Premature Ventricular Tachycardia (PVC) – Melbourne Heart Group

  https://www.melbourneheart.com.au/for-patients/premature-ventricular-tachycardia-pvc/

  In the majority of individuals, premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are generally not considered dangerous and have little clinical significance. […] Its important to note that your heart beats approximately 100,000 times per day. When PVCs exceed 10-20% of these beats (more than 10,000-20,000 beats), it may have clinical implications. […] In individuals with a normal heart, the presence of low burden PVCs is not typically considered life-threatening. However, when PVCs occur at a higher burden, they can potentially contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy. […] While rare, PVCs may have more concerning implications, particularly in individuals with coexisting heart problems. They can potentially trigger malignant abnormal rhythms. […] PVCs or VEs can be aggravated by various common factors, including sleep deprivation, medical illnesses, and electrolyte imbalances such as low magnesium levels and dehydration. […] The vast majority of individuals with PVCs can anticipate leading a normal, healthy life if the burden of PVCs is low and the heart structure is normal.

• #1 Clinical Approach to Patients with Frequent PVCs | Sarver Heart Center

  https://heart.arizona.edu/heart-health/heart-rhythm-disorders/clinical-approach-patients-frequent-pvcs

  Premature ventricular complexes, or PVCs, are a common clinical problem. […] Patients with a high frequency of PVC (20-40% of all beats) may require more aggressive therapy independent of symptoms. […] There have been some reports of frequent PVCs resulting in a tachycardia induced cardiomyopathy, which can be reversed with successful elimination of PVCs by catheter ablation. […] PVCs and symptoms related to PVCs are seen frequently in clinical practice, can occur in patients with or without structural heart disease, and often require therapy to improve symptoms.

• #1 What Are Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)? – Consensus: AI Search Engine for Research

  https://consensus.app/home/blog/what-are-premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs/

  PVCs are prevalent in the general population and can occur in individuals with or without underlying heart disease. […] Studies have shown that the frequency of PVCs can increase with age and is more common in individuals with a history of cardiovascular conditions. […] While PVCs are often benign, frequent PVCs can be a marker for more serious conditions such as cardiomyopathy and heart failure. […] Research indicates that a high frequency of PVCs is associated with a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), an increased risk of congestive heart failure (CHF), and higher mortality rates.

• #1 Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs): Symptoms and more

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ventricular-premature-complexes

  Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are extra heartbeats originating from the hearts lower chambers, potentially causing palpitations or fluttering sensations. […] While occasional PVCs are common, frequent ones may indicate underlying issues. […] Examples of causes and risk factors include taking stimulants, stress, and existing heart problems. […] PVCs, also known as ventricular premature complexes (VPCs), are extra heartbeats that start in the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart that discharge blood. […] However, frequent PVCs can lead to changes in how the left ventricle functions and may require treatment. […] Symptoms of VPCs can include irregular heartbeats or heart palpitations, sometimes with atypical pulsations in the neck, persistent fatigue or weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness, shortness of breath or labored breathing, which doctors call dyspnea, and chest pain or discomfort, known as angina.

• #2 Premature Ventricular Complexes: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/761148-overview

  Although the reported prevalence of PVCs varies between studies, depending on the population studied, duration of observation, and method of detection, PVCs are very common in most patients with long-term ambulatory monitoring. PVCs appear on standard electrocardiograms (ECGs) in an estimated 1% of clinically normal individuals and in 40-75% of healthy people evaluated by short-term ambulatory monitoring. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) trial found a higher PVC prevalence with increasing age, Black ethnicity, male sex, and lower education, as well with the presence of structural heart disease, hypertension, and lower levels of serum magnesium or potassium. […] In asymptomatic patients, PVCs are infrequently noted when only a single 12-lead ECG is used for ascertainment. The Framingham heart study (with 1-h ambulatory ECG) suggested that the prevalence rate of 1 or more PVCs per hour was 33% in men without coronary artery disease (CAD) and 32% in women without CAD. Among patients with CAD, the prevalence rate of 1 or more PVCs was 58% in men and 49% in women. Other studies using 24-hour ambulatory monitoring showed a PVC prevalence rate of 41% in healthy teenage boys aged 14-16 years, 50-60% in healthy young adults, and 84% in healthy elderly persons aged 73-82 years. PVCs also are common in patients with hypertension, ventricular hypertrophy, cardiomyopathy, and mitral valve prolapse.

• #2 Electrocardiographic Characteristics, Identification, and Management of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/19/3094

  Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) constitute one of the most common arrhythmias encountered in clinical practice. Contemporary data suggest an increasing incidence of idiopathic PVCs, defined as PVCs without apparent structural heart disease. The prevalence of PVCs is proportional to the monitoring duration. A study among 122 043 US Air Force personnel demonstrated at least 1 PVC in 8 per 1000 participants, during a 48-s ECG recording. PVCs were detected in 5.5% of participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, based on a 2 min ECG. […] Notably, there are no epidemiological data on the prevalence high burden (>5 or 10%) idiopathic (i.e., without concomitant structural heart disease) PVCs in random Holter monitoring data. When 24 h Holter monitoring was implemented among healthy adults, 69% of participants had at least one PVC, with a median PVC count of 2 and a 95th percentile of 193 PVCs. In a population of 1424 community-dwelling individuals who underwent Holter monitoring, increasing age, smoking status, elevated systolic blood pressure, and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction were independently associated with increased PVC frequency. Even though most patients with PVCs experience no symptoms, PVC-related symptoms can lead to worsened quality-of-life and include palpitations, chest discomfort and dizziness.

• #2 Premature ventricular contraction epidemiology and demographics – wikidoc

  https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Premature_ventricular_contraction_epidemiology_and_demographics

  The prevalence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) varies between 100 to 400 per 100,000 individuals worldwide on standard 12-lead electrocardiography and 4000 to 7500 per 100,000 individuals on 24- to 48-hour Holter monitoring. […] Patients of all age groups may develop PVC. […] The incidence of PVCs increases with age. […] African- American individuals are more likely to develop PVCs. […] Men are more commonly developed PVCs than women.

• #2 Premature ventricular complexes: Clinical presentation and diagnostic evaluation – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/premature-ventricular-complexes-clinical-presentation-and-diagnostic-evaluation

  Premature ventricular complexes/contractions (PVCs; also referred to as premature ventricular beats, premature ventricular depolarizations, or ventricular extrasystoles) are triggered from the ventricular myocardium in a variety of situations. PVCs are common and occur in a broad spectrum of the population. This includes patients without structural heart disease and those with any form of cardiac disease, independent of severity. […] The prevalence of PVCs is directly related to the study population, the detection method, and the duration of observation. PVCs are more likely to be detected in older patients, patients with more comorbidities, and patients who are monitored for longer durations of time. […] In patients with no known heart disease, PVCs have been seen in approximately 1 percent of routine 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) of 30 to 60 seconds duration and up to 6 percent of ECGs of two minutes duration. By comparison, when 24-hour ambulatory monitoring is used, up to 80 percent of apparently healthy people have occasional PVCs. The occurrence of frequent PVCs accounting for more than 20 percent of overall heart beats is rare, seen in less than 2 percent of patients. […] There is an age-related increase in the prevalence of PVCs in normal individuals and those with underlying heart disease. The prevalence of PVCs increase with age and in the presence of other factors, such as faster sinus rate, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypertension.

• #2

  https://journals.lww.com/cardiologyinreview/fulltext/9900/the_significance_of_premature_ventricular.439.aspx

  The incidence of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in a structurally normal heart can result in clinically significant consequences, including PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. […] PVCs can be seen in patients who are otherwise healthy with no known heart disease, known as idiopathic PVCs. In the general healthy population, PVCs were identified in 1% to 4% of individuals when evaluating a single 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). […] A study performed by Brodsky et al examined 50 medical students with no known existing cardiovascular disease with 24-hour ECG monitoring; 50% of these students had PVCs, and 2% had 80 PVCs within 24 hours. […] PVC prevalence is age-dependent, with 1% seen in children under 11 years and 69% in subjects over 75 years. […] One significant clinical concern in the management of a patient with PVCs is the development of PVC-CM. PVCs can lead to both ventricular and atrial remodeling in patients.

• #2 Premature ventricular contraction – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Premature_ventricular_contraction

  Single PVCs are common in healthy persons. When 24-hour ambulatory monitoring is used, up to 80 percent of apparently healthy people have occasional PVCs. Rates vary by age with extremely rare for those under the age of 11 and extremely common in those older than 75 years. […] In 101 people free of heart disease during 24 hours Holter monitoring, 39 had at least 1 PVC, and 4 at least 100. Heart disease was excluded after physical examination, chest x-ray, ECG, echocardiography, maximal exercise stress test, right- and left-heart catheterization and coronary angiography. […] In 122,043 United States Air Force flyers and cadet applicants during approximately 48 seconds of ECG 0.78% (952 males) had PVC within all age groups, but with increased incidence with increasing age. […] Ventricular ectopy is more prevalent in men than in women of the same age; data from large, population-based studies indicate that the prevalence is less for young white women without heart disease and greater for older African American individuals with hypertension.

• #2 Premature Ventricular Complexes: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/761148-overview

  Data from the Gruppo Italiano per lo Studio della Sopravvivenza dell’Infarto Miocardico 2 study demonstrated that 64% of patients who had MI then had ventricular arrhythmia and 20% of patients had more than 10 PVCs per hour when 24-h Holter monitoring was used. […] The Framingham heart study demonstrated increased prevalence of PVCs in men compared with women. The difference was especially higher in men with CAD than in women with CAD. […] The ARIC trial found that over 6% of middle-aged adults have PVCs on 2-minute ECGs. As noted above, the study also showed Black ethnicity and male sex are associated with a greater prevalence of PVCs. […] PVCs are uncommon in children (suggested prevalence rate of 0.8-2.2% from the Vanderbilt Medical Center; exact prevalence not known). Prevalence increases with age.

• #2 Premature Ventricular Contractions | Cedars-Sinai

  https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/p/premature-ventricular-contractions.html

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a type of abnormal heartbeat. PVCs that happen only once in a while are common in people of all ages, but they’re more common in older people. PVCs can happen in people without any heart disease, but they’re more common in people with some kind of heart disease. PVCs rarely cause problems unless they occur again and again over a long period of time. […] Many heart conditions increase the risk for PVCs. These include: high blood pressure, heart attack, coronary heart disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, and heart failure. […] PVCs are very common in people of all ages. They’re more common if you have other heart problems. […] Your healthcare provider may want to check you for other heart conditions.

• #2 Current Concepts of Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4390755/

  The prevalence and complexity of ambulatory ventricular arrhythmias increase dramatically as LV function deteriorates. […] The presence of complex ventricular arrhythmias (especially NSVT) on ambulatory monitoring predicts total cardiac mortality but does not identify patients who are destined to die suddenly. […] PVCs have been thought to be relatively benign in the absence of structural heart disease. […] The concept of PVC-induced CMP was proposed when pharmacological suppression of PVCs in patients with presumed idiopathic dilated CMP subsequently improved LV systolic dysfunction. […] The frequency of PVCs correlates at least modestly with the extent of LV dysfunction and ventricular dilation.

• #2 Premature ventricular contractions: Reassure or refer? | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

  https://www.ccjm.org/content/83/7/524

  When patients present with palpitations, the primary care physician can perform the initial evaluation and treatment for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Many patients need only reassurance and do not need to see a cardiologist. […] The focus of the initial evaluation is to determine whether there is underlying structural heart disease. If there is, early referral to a specialist is probably warranted. […] Idiopathic PVCs (in which there is no structural heart disease) have a benign prognosis. […] Patients who have a high PVC burden ( 10% of total heartbeats, though this is a subject of debate) should have an evaluation of their systolic function. If it is normal at baseline, periodic follow-up echocardiograms should be considered. […] Patients with a very high burden ( 20%) are at high risk of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. In these patients, referral is prudent, as some patients may opt for more aggressive treatment of their PVCs.

• #2 Premature ventricular contractions: Reassure or refer? | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

  https://www.ccjm.org/content/83/7/524

  Given the importance of knowing whether the patient has structural heart disease, we have a low threshold for ordering echocardiography, especially if nonsustained ventricular tachycardia has been documented. The finding of significant systolic dysfunction on echocardiography should prompt a cardiology consultation even if the physical examination is normal. In patients who have a high PVC burden, echocardiography is used to monitor for arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. […] Even if they have no symptoms or only minimal symptoms, patients with a high PVC burden require follow-up because of the association between frequent PVCs and arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy. […] What constitutes a high PVC burden remains a matter of debate. Left ventricular dysfunction has generally been reported at PVC burdens above 15% to 25% of the total cardiac beats, though this percentage can be as low as 10%. […] Referral to discuss catheter ablation of the PVCs should be considered for patients who have undergone unsuccessful attempts at drug therapy for either symptoms or PVC-related cardiomyopathy.

• #2 Electrocardiographic Characteristics, Identification, and Management of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/19/3094

  PVC burden has been shown to be the strongest independent predictor of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy in several studies. The cut-off value that separates those at high risk of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy ranges from 16% to 26%, in different studies. Current guidelines report that a PVC burden of 10% seems to be the minimal threshold for development of LV dysfunction, with higher risk when the PVC burden is >20%. […] Catheter ablation is an effective option to reduce or eliminate PVCs. In a multicenter cohort study of 1185 patients, acute procedural success was accomplished in 84% of the participants. Catheter ablation demonstrates superior efficacy and safety compared with anti-arrhythmic drug therapy, especially in RVOT-originating arrhythmias. These results are consistent with a recent meta-analysis among randomized and non-randomized trials. Catheter ablation was associated with reduced PVC recurrence, frequency, and burden. Complication and adverse event rates were lower in the catheter ablation group. The majority of complications from catheter ablation are related to vascular access and include pseudoaneurysm, hematoma, and arteriovenous fistula. Major complications are rare and include mostly pericardial tamponade and atrioventricular block.

• #2 Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ventricular-contractions/symptoms-causes/syc-20376757

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that begin in one of the heart’s two lower pumping chambers (ventricles). These extra beats disrupt the regular heart rhythm, sometimes causing a sensation of a fluttering or a skipped beat in the chest. […] Premature ventricular contractions are a common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). […] Occasional premature ventricular contractions in people without heart disease usually aren’t a concern and likely don’t need treatment. […] If you feel fluttering, pounding or a sensation of skipped heartbeats in your chest, talk to your health care provider. […] The cause of premature ventricular contractions isn’t always clear. Certain things including heart diseases or changes in the body can make cells in the lower heart chambers electrically unstable.

• #2 When to worry about premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)

  https://www.healthline.com/health/arrhythmia/when-to-worry-about-pvc

  Premature ventricular contractions are common and usually no cause for concern. But sometimes you may need to see a doctor. […] PVCs can happen to you at any age. […] Holter monitor studies suggest that up to 75% of people experience PVCs without any symptoms. […] PVCs also increase in frequency with age. […] There could be a risk of complications if you are older and have an underlying heart condition, such as heart disease. […] According to a 2017 report, having more than 10,000 and up to 20,000 PVCs a day can decrease your hearts function. […] Some studies say that having more than 1,000 PVCs a day can weaken your left ventricle over several years. […] If your doctor has already diagnosed heart disease, PVCs can increase your mortality risk or risk for early death. […] Having thousands of PVCs a day can put you at risk for decreased heart function.

• #2

  https://journals.lww.com/cardiologyinreview/fulltext/9900/the_significance_of_premature_ventricular.439.aspx

  The risk factors for the formation of PVC-CM are age, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia, epicardial origin of PVC, and PVC burden. […] The development of PVC-CM is usually seen with a high burden of PVCs and uncommon with a burden of 10%. […] The timing of initiating treatment is important to consider when approaching the management of a patient with PVCs in a structurally normal heart. […] One study showed the prognostic significance of frequent PVCs in patients with normal LV function. […] Patients with PVCs and without structural heart disease were also shown to not have a higher mortality than the general population.

• #2 Evaluation of Premature Ventricular Contractions in Children with Structurally Normal Hearts: A Single-Center Study – The Journal of Pediatric Research

  https://jpedres.org/articles/evaluation-of-premature-ventricular-contractions-in-children-with-structurally-normal-hearts-a-single-center-study/doi/jpr.galenos.2024.60094

  PVCs are an abnormal heart rhythm frequently seen in children. However, patients with frequent PVCs, even if isolated, are more likely to develop ventricular tachycardia (VT). […] PVCs are prevalent cardiac arrhythmias in children, and their prevalence varies with age. Although asymptomatic PVCs are generally considered harmless in children, cardiac dysfunction can occur in certain patients, especially those with frequent PVCs. […] The clinical characteristics, ECG, ECHO, exercise test, first and last Holter ECG, and long-term follow-up results of 60 pediatric patients diagnosed with PVCs were investigated in this study. […] In our study, 31.7% of the children experienced a partial improvement in the incidence of PVCs, while 16.7% showed complete resolution. […] In our study, beta-blockers were the most commonly used antiarrhythmic drugs to reduce PVCs.

• #2 Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) and Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs) | Frankel Cardiovascular Center | Michigan Medicine

  https://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs-and-premature

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra, abnormal heartbeats that begin in the ventricles, or lower pumping chambers, and disrupt your regular heart rhythm, sometimes causing you to feel a skipped beat or palpitations. PVCs also called also called premature ventricular complexes, ventricular premature beats and extrasystoles are very common and usually harmless. […] PVCs occur when ventricle contractions beat sooner than the next expected regular heartbeat, often interrupting the normal order of pumping. The extra beat is followed by a stronger heartbeat, which creates the feeling of a skipped beat or a flutter. These extra beats are usually less effective in pumping blood throughout the body. […] PVCs may be diagnosed during an electrocardiogram (ECG), which is a routine heart test, or through a portable ECG such as a Holter monitor, a portable device worn for a period of time to capture abnormal heart rhythms.

• #2 Premature Ventricular Contraction | Valley Health System

  https://www.valleyhealth.com/services/premature-ventricular-contraction

  If PVCs occur very frequently (for example more than 10% of all heartbeats), they can weaken the heart over time, leading to a condition called PVC-induced cardiomyopathy, where the heart’s ability to pump blood is reduced. […] In people with pre-existing heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure, frequent PVCs may indicate more significant electrical instability in the heart and could increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. […] PVCs can be detected during a routine electrocardiogram (ECG) performed in your physician’s office or in the hospital. […] To quantify the amount of PVCs, patients are often required to have a Holter monitor or a wearable event monitor, which monitor the heart rate and rhythm for longer duration. […] Once the presence of PVCs have been confirmed, patients may require further testing, such as an echocardiogram, to evaluate underlying heart issues like cardiomyopathies. […] Treatment for PVCs depends on their frequency, presence of symptoms, and whether they are associated with underlying heart conditions.

• #2 Electrocardiographic Characteristics, Identification, and Management of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/19/3094

  PVCs have consistently been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes among patients with pre-existing structural heart disease. The association between PVCs and increased mortality in the context of ischemic heart disease is well established, as numerous historical studies provide relevant data. Initial efforts for pharmacological suppression of PVCs in survivors of myocardial infarction, using class IC antiarrhythmics, led to detrimental effects on total mortality, now known to stem from the untoward interplay between abnormal substrate (scar and ischemia) and pharmacodynamics of this particular class. […] The association between the presence of PVCs in patients with apparently normal hearts and adverse cardiovascular outcomes has been a matter of debate. A hallmark study in 1985 reported no difference in prognosis between 70 asymptomatic, healthy participants with ventricular ectopy and the general population. In the first meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies of participants without clinically apparent heart disease, the presence of PVCs was associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. However, the exclusion of structural heart disease was not based on advanced tests, and the risk was also correlated with presence of cardiovascular risk factors.

• #2 Premature ventricular contraction increases the risk of heart failure and ventricular tachyarrhythmia | Scientific Reports

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-92088-0

  Premature ventricular contraction (PVC), a common arrhythmia affecting 12% of the general population, has been considered to have a benign clinical course. However, people with PVC often develop heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia. […] People with newly diagnosed PVC in 2009 had a significantly higher incidence of heart failure compared to those without PVC [adjusted hazard ratio (HR)1.371; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1771.598; p0.001]. […] The incidence of ventricular arrhythmia was also significantly increased in people with PVC (HR5.588; 95% CI4.5536.859;p 0.001). […] In conclusion, the incidence of heart failure and ventricular arrhythmia was significantly increased in people with PVC. Serial outpatient follow-up of people with PVC can be helpful for early detection of heart failure and lethal ventricular arrhythmias.

• #2 Association of Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC) with hematological parameters: a data mining approach | Scientific Reports

  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-86557-z

  Given these findings, it is proposed that some hematological factors may also be associated with PVC. Two meta-analyses showed that hematological factors could predict the occurrence and recurrence of atrial fibrillation. Moreover, hematocrit was found to be associated with ventricular arrhythmias in patients with chronic renal failure on dialysis. […] This study revealed a significant association between MCV and PVC. MCV, commonly regarded as a surrogate marker for anemia, exhibits a noteworthy correlation with PVC. Anemia has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ventricular hypertrophy, suggesting a potential long-term impact on cardiovascular health. […] In conclusion, this study investigated whether it was possible to predict PVC using routinely measured hematological factors through the utilization of advanced machine learning algorithms. The most important hematological factors associated with PVC in both males and females were RDW and PLT. For males WBC, PDW, and HCT, and females, RBC, MCV, and MXD were also important. The results are consistent with prior research findings that underscored their physiological relevance. However, more research is warranted to apply and validate these findings in other population groups, as this is the first study to evaluate the association between hematological factors and PVC as far as we know.

• #2 Premature Ventricular Contractions Birmingham AL | Heart Palpitations

  https://www.stop-af.com/about-your-rhythm/premature-ventricular-contractions/

  Premature ventricular contractions occur in many people, and if you’re otherwise healthy and occasionally have a PVC there isn’t anything to worry about. […] PVCs are also associated with: Increased levels of adrenaline in the body due to caffeine, tobacco, exercise, or anxiety. […] All of these items or conditions can increase a person’s risk of having a PVC: Exercise, Caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, High blood pressure, Anxiety, Various heart diseases.

• #2 Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) | Beacon Health System

  https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs?content_id=CON-20376741

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common. […] Premature ventricular contractions are a common type of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). […] Occasional premature ventricular contractions in people without heart disease usually aren’t a concern and likely don’t need treatment. […] Certain lifestyle choices and health conditions may make a person more likely to develop premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). […] Risk factors for PVCs include: Caffeine, Tobacco, Alcohol, Stimulants such as cocaine or methamphetamines, Exercise if you have certain types of PVCs, Anxiety, Heart attack, Heart disease, including congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, heart failure and a weakened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). […] Having frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or certain patterns of them might increase the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). […] Rarely, when accompanied by heart disease, frequent premature contractions can lead to chaotic, dangerous heart rhythms and possibly sudden cardiac death.

• #2 Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) | Longmore Clinic

  https://longmoreclinic.org/premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs-causes-symptoms-and-management/

  PVCs are generally harmless, but in some cases, they can lead to complications: Reduced Heart Function: Frequent PVCs can eventually weaken the heart, leading to heart failure. […] PVCs may be triggered or exacerbated by specific factors: Physical Activity: While exercise is beneficial for heart health, intense physical activity can sometimes trigger PVCs in susceptible individuals. […] For individuals with frequent PVCs, regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial. This allows for monitoring of symptoms, assessment of treatment effectiveness, and early detection of any complications. […] Magnesium is an essential electrolyte that plays a role in maintaining normal heart rhythm. Some studies suggest that magnesium supplementation may reduce PVC frequency, particularly in individuals with low magnesium levels.

• #2 Premature Ventricular Contractions | UK Healthcare

  https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/gill-heart-vascular-institute/conditions/arrhythmias/premature-ventricular-contractions

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are early heartbeats that can happen between normal heartbeats. PVCs are usually harmless when they occur infrequently, but frequent PVCs may require treatment. […] Although PVCs are not dangerous in most cases, rarely they can be a sign of underlying heart disease. For people with a known heart problem, such as heart failure or heart attack, PVCs can signal a dangerous irregular heartbeat. […] Everyone experiences PVCs from time to time. If you have no other heart problems, PVCs are usually harmless. But certain factors can cause them to happen more frequently, including: Stress, Alcohol consumption, Too much or too little of certain electrolytes in your body, Too little oxygen in your blood, which can happen when you have an illness like pneumonia, Too much caffeine, Smoking, Poor sleep or a sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea.

• #2 Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) and Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs) | Frankel Cardiovascular Center | Michigan Medicine

  https://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs-and-premature

  In those with healthy hearts, occasional PVCs are harmless and usually resolve on their own without treatment. Some PVC symptoms can be managed through lifestyle changes limiting caffeine, tobacco and alcohol and stress, for example. […] Treatment for patients who experience PVCs on a regular basis includes medication such as beta blockers and calcium blockers. For patients whose symptoms are severe, a catheter ablation may be recommended. During catheter ablation, an electrophysiologist uses radiofrequency energy to cauterize the area of the heart where the PVCs originate. […] In patients with heart problems such as heart failure or heart disease, PVCs may be a sign of a more dangerous heart rhythm to come.

• #2 Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ventricular-contractions/symptoms-causes/syc-20376757

  Having frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or certain patterns of them might increase the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). […] Rarely, when accompanied by heart disease, frequent premature contractions can lead to chaotic, dangerous heart rhythms and possibly sudden cardiac death.

• #2 Frequent ventricular extrasystoles: significance, prognosis and treatment

  https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-9/Frequent-ventricular-extrasystoles-significance-prognosis-and-treatment

  For more than 20 years now, it has been accepted that the presence of PVCs in the absence of structural heart disease entails a favorable benign prognosis, even when they arise frequently. […] The prognostic significance of PVCs in ischemic heart disease is less benign. Indeed, in patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction, the presence of PVCs has been associated with an increase of up to three times the risk of sudden death. […] Risk of sudden cardiac death from malignant ventricular arrhythmia should be considered in patients with heart disease who have frequent PVCs. […] PVCs have also been shown to trigger malignant ventricular arrhythmias in certain patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and other syndromes.

• #2 What Are Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)? – Consensus: AI Search Engine for Research

  https://consensus.app/home/blog/what-are-premature-ventricular-contractions-pvcs/

  PVCs are prevalent in the general population and can occur in individuals with or without underlying heart disease. […] Studies have shown that the frequency of PVCs can increase with age and is more common in individuals with a history of cardiovascular conditions. […] While PVCs are often benign, frequent PVCs can be a marker for more serious conditions such as cardiomyopathy and heart failure. […] Research indicates that a high frequency of PVCs is associated with a decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), an increased risk of congestive heart failure (CHF), and higher mortality rates.

• #2 Premature Ventricular Complex (PVC) • LITFL • ECG Library Diagnosis

  https://litfl.com/premature-ventricular-complex-pvc-ecg-library/

  PVCs are said to be frequent if there are more than 5 PVCs per minute on the routine ECG, or more than 10-30 per hour during ambulatory monitoring. […] Frequent PVCs may cause palpitations and a sense of the heart skipping a beat. […] Frequent PVCs are usually benign, except in the context of an prolonged QTc, when they may predispose to malignant ventricular arrhythmias such as Torsades de Pointes by causing R on T phenomenon. […] PVCs are a normal electrophysiological phenomenon not usually requiring investigation or treatment.

• #2 Prevalence of frequent premature ventricular contractions and left-ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients receiving Holter monitoring.

  https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3rs6f3gm

  Prevalence of frequent premature ventricular contractions and left-ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients receiving Holter monitoring. […] Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are frequently observed with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction, although the prevalence of these associated conditions in the general population remains unknown. […] We sought to understand the prevalence of frequent PVCs (defined PVCs > 5%) and high burden PVCs (defined PVCs > 10%) and LV systolic dysfunction in patients receiving ambulatory Holter monitors (HM). […] The prevalence of PVC burden of 5.1%-10% and >10% was 4% and 5%, respectively in the population undergoing HM (n=6529). […] In those with LVEF assessment (n=3713), the prevalence of LVEF < 50% and both LVEF < 50% and PVC > 5% was 16.4% and 4.2%, respectively. […] The prevalence of PVC > 5% and PVC > 10% in patients with LVEF < 50% was 26% and 16%, respectively. [...] PVC > 5% were more prevalent in older, male, and Caucasians (p<.001). [...] CONCLUSION: PVC > 5% and PVC > 10% and LVEF < 50% are prevalent in patients undergoing HM.

• #2 Current Concepts of Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4390755/

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are common with an estimated prevalence of 40% to 75% in the general population on 24- to 48-hour Holter monitoring. […] Traditionally, they have been thought to be relatively benign in the absence of structural heart disease but they represent increased risk of sudden death in structural heart disease. […] The incidence, frequency, and complexity of ventricular arrhythmias were greater in the presence of known or suspected heart disease. PVCs and runs of NSVT in subjects with structural heart disease contribute to an increased mortality risk, the magnitude of which varies with the nature and extent of the underlying disease. […] The presence of more than 10 PVBs per hour or of complex ventricular arrhythmias was significantly associated with a higher mortality risk regardless of the presence of LV dysfunction.

• #3 Premature ventricular complexes: Clinical presentation and diagnostic evaluation – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/premature-ventricular-complexes-clinical-presentation-and-diagnostic-evaluation

  Premature ventricular complexes/contractions (PVCs; also referred to as premature ventricular beats, premature ventricular depolarizations, or ventricular extrasystoles) are triggered from the ventricular myocardium in a variety of situations. PVCs are common and occur in a broad spectrum of the population. This includes patients without structural heart disease and those with any form of cardiac disease, independent of severity. […] The prevalence of PVCs is directly related to the study population, the detection method, and the duration of observation. PVCs are more likely to be detected in older patients, patients with more comorbidities, and patients who are monitored for longer durations of time. […] In patients with no known heart disease, PVCs have been seen in approximately 1 percent of routine 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG) of 30 to 60 seconds duration and up to 6 percent of ECGs of two minutes duration. By comparison, when 24-hour ambulatory monitoring is used, up to 80 percent of apparently healthy people have occasional PVCs. The occurrence of frequent PVCs accounting for more than 20 percent of overall heart beats is rare, seen in less than 2 percent of patients. […] There is an age-related increase in the prevalence of PVCs in normal individuals and those with underlying heart disease. The prevalence of PVCs increase with age and in the presence of other factors, such as faster sinus rate, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypertension.

• #3 Clinical Significance of Idiopathic Frequent Premature Ventricular Complexes | USC Journal

  https://www.uscjournal.com/articles/clinical-significance-idiopathic-frequent-premature-ventricular-complexes?language_content_entity=en

  Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in the absence of underlying structural heart disease are often benign. […] However, there exists a subset of patients with frequent PVCs that may develop cardiomyopathy and heart failure. […] The prevalence of PVCs in the population inherently depends on the type and duration of screening. […] A PVC burden of 60/h was reported in 14 % of the general population. […] The prognosis in patients with frequent PVCs is affected by the presence of underlying cardiac disease. […] In the absence of other cardiac disease, the prognosis of patients with frequent idiopathic PVCs is determined by a number of factors, including PVC frequency. […] The majority of data suggest that patients with low to moderate PVC burdens and without structural heart disease will have a benign clinical course, with treatment focussed on symptom management.

• #3 Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ventricular-contractions/symptoms-causes/syc-20376757

  Having frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) or certain patterns of them might increase the risk of developing irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or weakening of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy). […] Rarely, when accompanied by heart disease, frequent premature contractions can lead to chaotic, dangerous heart rhythms and possibly sudden cardiac death.

• #3 Electrocardiographic Characteristics, Identification, and Management of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/19/3094

  PVC burden has been shown to be the strongest independent predictor of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy in several studies. The cut-off value that separates those at high risk of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy ranges from 16% to 26%, in different studies. Current guidelines report that a PVC burden of 10% seems to be the minimal threshold for development of LV dysfunction, with higher risk when the PVC burden is >20%. […] Catheter ablation is an effective option to reduce or eliminate PVCs. In a multicenter cohort study of 1185 patients, acute procedural success was accomplished in 84% of the participants. Catheter ablation demonstrates superior efficacy and safety compared with anti-arrhythmic drug therapy, especially in RVOT-originating arrhythmias. These results are consistent with a recent meta-analysis among randomized and non-randomized trials. Catheter ablation was associated with reduced PVC recurrence, frequency, and burden. Complication and adverse event rates were lower in the catheter ablation group. The majority of complications from catheter ablation are related to vascular access and include pseudoaneurysm, hematoma, and arteriovenous fistula. Major complications are rare and include mostly pericardial tamponade and atrioventricular block.

• #3 Evaluation of Premature Ventricular Contractions in Children with Structurally Normal Hearts: A Single-Center Study – The Journal of Pediatric Research

  https://jpedres.org/articles/evaluation-of-premature-ventricular-contractions-in-children-with-structurally-normal-hearts-a-single-center-study/doi/jpr.galenos.2024.60094

  PVCs often originate from the right ventricle. […] In addition to the absence of structural heart disease, the absence of a family history of arrhythmia and the reduction of PVCs with exercise have been evaluated as good prognoses in many studies. […] PVCs are classified as frequent if they are 10% in 24 hours, and it is well known that this group of patients should be constantly monitored for the development of cardiomyopathy. […] In none of our patients during follow-up, malignant arrhythmia or sudden cardiac death were observed. However, we could not detect the prevalence of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy as check-up ECHO evaluation was not performed. […] PVCs, frequently encountered in childhood clinical practice and diagnosed incidentally, show a good prognosis in those children without structural heart disease. The majority of individuals are asymptomatic, and the rate of spontaneous regression is exceedingly high, regardless of the underlying cause. There may be no need for medical treatment to reduce the frequency of PVCs.

• #3 Clinical Significance of Idiopathic Frequent Premature Ventricular Complexes | USC Journal

  https://www.uscjournal.com/articles/clinical-significance-idiopathic-frequent-premature-ventricular-complexes?language_content_entity=en

  In patients with very frequent PVCs, the risk for development as well as the reversibility of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy is well established. […] The occurrence of SCD in patients with idiopathic PVCs is low, although difficult to quantitate due to its rarity. […] Most patients with PVCs in the absence of structural heart disease have a benign clinical course and can be treated based on symptoms. […] Patients with frequent idiopathic PVCs are at a higher risk for development of cardiomyopathy and heart failure. […] In asymptomatic patients with very frequent PVCs and preserved cardiac function, regular follow-up and monitoring of cardiac function is warranted.

• #3 Electrocardiographic Characteristics, Identification, and Management of Frequent Premature Ventricular Contractions

  https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/13/19/3094

  PVCs have consistently been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes among patients with pre-existing structural heart disease. The association between PVCs and increased mortality in the context of ischemic heart disease is well established, as numerous historical studies provide relevant data. Initial efforts for pharmacological suppression of PVCs in survivors of myocardial infarction, using class IC antiarrhythmics, led to detrimental effects on total mortality, now known to stem from the untoward interplay between abnormal substrate (scar and ischemia) and pharmacodynamics of this particular class. […] The association between the presence of PVCs in patients with apparently normal hearts and adverse cardiovascular outcomes has been a matter of debate. A hallmark study in 1985 reported no difference in prognosis between 70 asymptomatic, healthy participants with ventricular ectopy and the general population. In the first meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies of participants without clinically apparent heart disease, the presence of PVCs was associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes. However, the exclusion of structural heart disease was not based on advanced tests, and the risk was also correlated with presence of cardiovascular risk factors.

• #3 Frequent ventricular extrasystoles: significance, prognosis and treatment

  https://www.escardio.org/Journals/E-Journal-of-Cardiology-Practice/Volume-9/Frequent-ventricular-extrasystoles-significance-prognosis-and-treatment

  For more than 20 years now, it has been accepted that the presence of PVCs in the absence of structural heart disease entails a favorable benign prognosis, even when they arise frequently. […] The prognostic significance of PVCs in ischemic heart disease is less benign. Indeed, in patients who have suffered a myocardial infarction, the presence of PVCs has been associated with an increase of up to three times the risk of sudden death. […] Risk of sudden cardiac death from malignant ventricular arrhythmia should be considered in patients with heart disease who have frequent PVCs. […] PVCs have also been shown to trigger malignant ventricular arrhythmias in certain patients with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and other syndromes.

• #3 Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs)

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17381-premature-ventricular-contractions

  Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a type of irregular heartbeat. They occur when the electrical signal to start your heartbeat comes from your lower heart chambers. PVCs are common and usually aren’t dangerous. Your risk of complications increases if you have another heart condition, such as heart disease or a congenital heart defect. […] PVCs can happen in anyone, but they’re more common in older adults and those with heart disease. Your risk for PVCs also increases if you have: Heart failure. High blood pressure (hypertension). History of heart attacks. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. […] PVCs are quite common. Up to 75% of people experience them. […] PVCs typically aren’t life-threatening. But they may damage your heart muscle if they repeatedly occur for a long period. […] Generally, premature ventricular contractions have a positive outlook. They don’t increase the risk of health complications in most people. Your risk of health complications, including a shorter lifespan, increases if you have other health problems or a history of heart attacks. […] PVCs can increase your risk of sudden cardiac death if you have underlying structural heart disease or if they arise from specific areas in your heart. However, in most people, PVCs are benign and don’t lead to sudden cardiac death.

• #3 Premature Ventricular Contraction | Valley Health System

  https://www.valleyhealth.com/services/premature-ventricular-contraction

  If PVCs occur very frequently (for example more than 10% of all heartbeats), they can weaken the heart over time, leading to a condition called PVC-induced cardiomyopathy, where the heart’s ability to pump blood is reduced. […] In people with pre-existing heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure, frequent PVCs may indicate more significant electrical instability in the heart and could increase the risk of sudden cardiac death. […] PVCs can be detected during a routine electrocardiogram (ECG) performed in your physician’s office or in the hospital. […] To quantify the amount of PVCs, patients are often required to have a Holter monitor or a wearable event monitor, which monitor the heart rate and rhythm for longer duration. […] Once the presence of PVCs have been confirmed, patients may require further testing, such as an echocardiogram, to evaluate underlying heart issues like cardiomyopathies. […] Treatment for PVCs depends on their frequency, presence of symptoms, and whether they are associated with underlying heart conditions.

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