What Are Ectopic Heartbeats? Are They Dangerous?
An ectopic heartbeat is an extra beat or a skipped beat that occurs just before a regular heartbeat. Ectopic beats are normal and usually not a cause for concern, though they can make people feel anxious.
According to a cardiologist in Gurgaon who work a leading heart specialist hospital in Gurgaon, there are two types of ectopic heartbeat:
1. Premature atrial contractions (PAC), which originate in the upper chambers, or atria.
2. Premature ventricular contractions (PVC), which originate in the lower chambers, or ventricles.
When a child experiences an ectopic heartbeat, it is often a PAC. It is usually harmless. The chances of having a PVC increase as people get older. A heart attack or family history of PVC may increase the risk of someone developing PVCs as they age.
Are Ectopic Heartbeats Dangerous?
In most cases ectopic heartbeats will go away with no intervention and a person will have no further complications from ectopic heartbeats. However, a top heart specialist in Gurgaon says that in some uncommon cases, the affected individual may develop:
· Ventricular tachycardia, which is an irregular and rapid heartbeat.
· Arrhythmias, which involves issues with the heart's rhythm.
People who have had a previous heart attack are at a greater, though low, risk of cardiac arrest and death. If you are bothered by ectopic heartbeats, it is best to consult a cardiologist. If symptoms do not go away on their own, a heart specialist is likely to want to explore the underlying condition. Once determined, they will treat the cause, which will help stop further ectopic heartbeats from occurring.
