Ventricular ectopy (1656)
Key points below
What is ventricular ectopy?
Ventricular ectopy is an early heart beat that comes from the bottom chamber of the heart (called the ventricle).
It is called a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) if there is just one early beat.
It is called ventricular tachycardia if there are several beats in a row.
It is normally innocent. This means it does not harm your child.
What are the symptoms?
Most early beats cause no symptoms at all. If there are symptoms, they may include:
- An irregular heartbeat.
- Feeling like the heart is beating too hard or fast, fluttering, or skipping a beat.
- Dizziness.
- Fainting or feeling like fainting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain.
- Decreased energy, feeling tired.
What tests might need to be done?
Your child’s doctor will order an EKG. Other tests may include a Holter monitor, an exercise stress test, or an echocardiogram. Your child’s doctor will talk to you about what other tests may be needed.
How is it treated?
Your child may not need any treatment at all. Your child’s doctor may recommend medicine to reduce the amount of extra beats.