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Are premature ventricular contractions a serious concern?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I regularly experience a fluttering feeling in my chest and have undergone an ECG, which showed PVCs. Does the attached ECG indicate any cause for concern?

Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed the ECG (electrocardiogram) test results (attachments removed to protect the patient’s identity), and everything appears normal. There is nothing significant to be concerned about. PVCs (premature ventricular contractions) are very common in healthy individuals. How long have you been experiencing this sensation? Have you lost weight recently? Do you feel like your heart is racing?

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have experienced these symptoms intermittently over the past seven to eight years. I did not realize they were PVCs until I had an ECG today, which confirmed them. The symptoms are usually persistent for a while and then disappear for a year or longer. Recently, I have lost weight through high-intensity interval training. When the palpitations occur, they feel more like a fluttering sensation, similar to a butterfly in my chest. Occasionally, the palpitations also make me cough.

Answered by Dr. Isaac Gana

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your symptoms are very typical of PVCs caused by benign factors. As I mentioned earlier, PVCs often occur in healthy individuals. There are several factors that can trigger them, such as smoking, alcohol, coffee, illicit substances, excessive exercise, anxiety, insufficient sleep, or a history of heart disease (though this is uncommon in young people).

I recommend making some lifestyle adjustments. Reduce your intake of alcohol, tobacco, and coffee, if applicable. Ensure you get six to seven hours of sleep per night. Limit your exercise to three to four sessions per week. With these changes, you should hopefully see improvement in a few months. If your symptoms persist despite these measures, you may need to consider Propranolol. It is a beta-blocker that has been highly effective in managing PVCs in many of my patients.

I hope this has been helpful.

Please feel free to ask any questions if you need further clarification.

Answered byDr. Isaac Gana

Medically reviewed byDr. Nithila. A

Published At October 9, 2019
Reviewed AtMarch 21, 2025

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