Treatment
Most ectopic heartbeats do not require treatment. The condition is treated if your symptoms are severe or if the extra beats occur very frequently.
An underlying cause, if discovered, may also require treatment.
Prognosis (Expectations)
Ectopic heartbeats are generally benign, requiring no treatment. Occasionally, they may indicate an increased risk for other cardiac arrhythmias.
Complications
- Ventricular tachycardia (occasionally)
- Other arrhythmias (occasionally)
Note: There usually are no complications.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you have persistent palpitations, or palpitations with chest pain or other symptoms.
Also call your health care provider if you have this condition and your symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.
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Ectopic heartbeat : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Ectopic heartbeat : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Ectopic heartbeat : Treatment
Review Date : 6/7/2008
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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