Ectopic Heartbeat: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Ectopic heartbeats are changes in heartbeats and are quite common, resulting in extra or skipped heartbeats.

Individuals looking for the meaning of ectopic heartbeat, its types, symptoms, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention must continue reading for a comprehensive explanation.

What Is a Ectopic Heartbeat?

The phrase ‘ectopic’ refers to something in an unusual place or position. People often imply ectopic rhythm as a missed, additional or early heartbeat.

The human heart comprises 4 chambers, namely-

Right atria (upper)
Left atria (upper)
Right ventricle (lower)
Left ventricle (lower)

The cell area of the upper right atria or atrium, known as the sinus node, sends electrical signals to regulate heartbeat. Commonly, these electric signals contract the 2 atria and subsequently the 2 ventricles. Nonetheless, these electric signals sometimes come from outside of the sinus node, contracting the atria and ventricles faster. This condition causes ectopic heartbeats.

What Are the Types of Irregular or Ectopic Heartbeat?

Ectopic rhythm can be classified into two categories:

Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs): In this condition, irregular or ectopic beats occur in the upper chambers, that is, the left and right atria of the heart.
Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs): In this condition, irregular or ectopic beats occur in the lower chambers, that is, the upper and lower ventricles of the heart.

However, ectopic rhythm is more common in the atria than ventricles.

What Causes Ectopic Heartbeat?

A few reasons that trigger ectopic heartbeat are as follows:

Lung disorders
High blood pressure
Alcohol consumption
Smoking
Misuse of drugs
Medications such as decongestants and antihistamine
Anxiety issues
Caffeinated drinks and foods consumption
Lack of sleep
Exercise
Dehydration
Asthma medication
Lower potassium level

What Are the Symptoms of Ectopic Heartbeat?

In general, ectopic heartbeat has no prominent symptoms. In most instances, people feel their heart skipped or had an extra beat. A few common sensations under this condition are as follows:

Faintness or dizziness
Skipped heartbeat
Racing heartbeat
Fluttering feeling in the chest

In contrast, some individuals experience severe ectopic heartbeat symptoms similar to extreme cardiac conditions.

Who Are at Risk of an Ectopic Heartbeat?

Ectopic heartbeats are common in adults and not in children. However, if a child undergoes irregular or ectopic heart rhythm, it is generally Premature Atrial Contractions or PACs, which is harmless.

In contrast, older people are susceptible to Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs). Moreover, anyone with a family history of PVC and cardiac arrest is at a higher risk. Additionally, it is worth noting that ectopic heartbeats are common during pregnancies.

How to Diagnose Ectopic Heartbeat?

In general, professionals discuss the symptoms of ectopic heartbeat with the patients and detect the irregular rhythm with a stethoscope. However, doctors may also prescribe the following tests to rule out severe conditions.

Holter monitor, for recording heartbeat for 24 to 48 hours hours
Electrocardiogram or ECG, for measuring the heartbeat and electrical signals
Echocardiogram or heart ultrasound, for creating a moving image of the heart
Coronary angiography, using x-rays and contrast dye to assess blood flow in the heart
CT scan, using X-rays
Exercise testing, for monitoring heartbeat while exercising, especially on a treadmill
MRI, for detailed imaging employing magnets and radio waves

What Are the Recommended Treatments and Preventive Measures for Ectopic Heartbeat?

The best way to steer clear of ectopic heart rate is by adopting healthy life choices. It includes limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, smoking and drug usage. Individuals with anxiety or stress issues may opt for stress-lowering techniques like meditation. Moreover, people experiencing ectopic rhythm should restrict themselves from exercising every day.

Nonetheless, doctors may also recommend beta-blockers and other drugs to change the heart response to electrical signals and hormones.

Another beneficial way to cure ectopic heartbeat is through radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Apart from these, ectopic heartbeats may develop Ventricular tachycardia (irregular and fast heart rate) and arrhythmias in rare cases. Now that you know all about this disorder, you will be able to recognise the symptoms easily and proceed with the treatment and preventive measures accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What ectopic treatment do doctors recommend for individuals with heart disorders?

For individuals with heart complications, doctors recommend angioplasty. It is a process where a balloon is used to open a narrow blood vessel.

What will happen if ectopic heart rhythm continues for a long time?

The continuation of ectopic heartbeat for a prolonged period indicates-

Cardiac disorders such as coronary and valve diseases
Chemical imbalance
Injury to cardiac muscle due to heart attack, high blood pressure or infection