Ectopic Heartbeat | Cardiac Ectopic Beats | Cardiac Ectopy

What are Ectopic Heartbeats?

Cardiac ectopic beats, also known as cardiac ectopy, are premature or extra heartbeats that occur outside the heart’s normal electrical system. These abnormal beats may be sensed as a skipped beat followed by a heavy thump.

What Causes Cardiac Ectopic Beats?

Sino-atrial node – a natural pacemaker in the right atrium – controls the heart’s electrical system. In a normal heartbeat, electrical signals travel in an organised way to coordinate contraction among the upper and lower heart chambers. 

An ectopic beat occurs when cells away from your heart’s own natural pacemaker get excited too early and produce an additional heartbeat. This premature beat disrupts the normal cardiac rhythm and is usually followed by a short pause that makes the next heartbeat stronger.

Common causes or triggers of ectopic beats include:

Ectopic Heartbeat symptoms

Cardiac ectopy does not always show noticeable symptoms. Some patients only feel a ‘hiccup’ in their heart rhythm that mostly returns to normal in a short time. Sometimes symptoms may become more frequent or serious which require a comprehensive assessment by an experienced cardiologist. Common symptoms include:

Types of Cardiac Ectopy

Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)

Premature ventricular contraction, also known as ventricular ectopics (VE), occurs in the ventricles – the lower chambers of the heart. PVCs are usually considered harmless, but they are stronger and more noticeable than PACs. Frequent or long-lasting PVC must be thoroughly evaluated, as it can be an indication of an underlying heart issue. If left untreated, ventricular ectopic beats can also cause coronary artery disease. 

Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC) 

Premature atrial contraction or supraventricular ectopy (SVE) arises in the atria – the upper chambers of the heart. These are very common and usually benign, but frequent and untreated PAC can cause atrial fibrillation. A fluttering or skipped beat sensation with PAC, especially if it occurs multiple times in short runs.

Our Specialists’ Diagnostic Approach to Ectopic Beats

Ectopic heartbeats are usually harmless, but frequent or severe symptoms may require further investigation, particularly if you have a family history of heart disease. At The National Heart Clinic, our cardiology specialists identify the underlying cause of cardiac ectopy through a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history, and advanced heart investigations, such as:

Treatment for Ectopic Heartbeat 

Treatment for ectopic heartbeats depends on the frequency of symptoms, their severity, and the underlying cause. Mild or occasional ectopic beats can often be managed by identifying triggers and making lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, improving sleep, managing stress, and stopping smoking.

For more frequent ectopic beats, treatment may include medication or catheter ablation to treat the abnormal electrical signals causing the irregular heartbeat. 

At The National Heart Clinic, our cardiology specialists provide personalised treatment plans focused on long-term symptom control and heart rhythm management. 

Why Choose The National Heart Clinic?

Our experienced cardiology specialists provide comprehensive assessment, advanced diagnostics, and personalised treatment plans to help patients receive the right care.

Early diagnosis and specialist care can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and support effective long-term management.

Book a Private Consultation Today

Book an appointment with a cardiac consultant at The National Heart Clinic, Harley Street, London, and get expert assessment, accurate diagnosis, and a personalised treatment plan to manage your symptoms effectively.