Premature Beats

Premature beats are extra heartbeats of the atria (atrial beats) or ventricles (ventricular beats).

Premature beats themselves are usually not serious. However, in people whose heart is abnormal in structure or function, premature beats may mean that serious problems are more likely.

Premature beats are more common among older people, including healthy older people. But they are particularly common among people who have coronary artery disease. Premature beats may be triggered or worsened by consuming alcohol or caffeinated beverages (such as coffee or tea) or by using some cold, hay fever, or asthma remedies. Physical or emotional stress may also trigger them.

Premature beats usually cause no symptoms. People may feel them, usually as occasional skipped heartbeats. Some people have bothersome palpitations. In people with a heart disorder (particularly coronary artery disease), premature ventricular beats may lead to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, both of which are life threatening.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Premature beats may be detected during a physical examination and are confirmed by electrocardiography (ECG). Sometimes a portable ECG (Holter) monitor is used. Usually, no treatment is needed. If premature beats occur frequently or cause intolerable palpitations, an antiarrhythmic drug (such as a beta-blocker) may be given.