Kardia Advanced Determination “Sinus Rhythm with Premature Ventricular Contractions” indicates sinus rhythm with occasional premature ventricular contractions. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that originate in the bottom of the heart and usually beat sooner than the next expected regular heartbeat. After the PVC beat, a pause usually occurs, which causes the next normal heartbeat to be more forceful. If you've felt your heart skip a beat, it was this more forceful beat that you felt.
What Causes PVCs?
People of any age can experience occasional PVCs at one time or another. Some of the triggers for PVCs include caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, cough and cold medicine, high blood pressure, anxiety, stress, sleep apnea, lung disease, and heart disease. In many cases, the underlying cause cannot be identified. PVCs often cause few or no symptoms, but you might feel a fluttering in your chest,* dizziness, increased awareness of your heartbeat, or skipped or missed beats.
What Can I Do Next?
If you have PVCs, but you are otherwise healthy, there is usually no reason for concern and no need for treatment. If you have frequent symptomatic PVCs, or PVCs with heart disease, you may need treatment. If you have premature ventricular contractions, your doctor can give you additional instructions about how to manage them and your overall heart health.
*Kardia cannot detect signs of a heart attack. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call emergency services.