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Learn about various rhythms caused by ectopic atrial foci, such as atrial premature beats, atrial tachycardia, and wandering atrial pacemaker. Find out the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of these arrhythmias.
- Overview
- Symptoms and Causes
- Diagnosis and Tests
- Management and Treatment
- Prevention
- Outlook / Prognosis
- Living With
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An ectopic heartbeat happens when your heart beats too soon. It can feel like your heart skipped a beat or it’s racing. These heartbeat irregularities can be scary, but they usually aren’t harmful. They often result from stress, caffeine, alcohol or certain cold medications.
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OverviewSymptoms and CausesDiagnosis and TestsManagement and TreatmentPreventionOutlook / PrognosisLiving With
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What causes an ectopic heartbeat?
Ectopic heartbeats can result from: Alcohol and drinks that contain caffeine. Foods that are high in fat, sugar or carbohydrates can also cause an irregular heartbeat occasionally. Many people experience heart palpitations after eating. Anxiety and stress. Dehydration. Drug use, including nasal decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine. Extra weight and obesity. People who carry extra weight have a higher risk of abnormal heart rhythms and heart disease. Hormonal changes during menopause and changes that happen to your body during pregnancy. Heart palpitations during pregnancy are very common and usually harmless. Smoking. Less often, an ectopic heartbeat is the result of a heart problem or health condition, such as: Arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (Afib) and tachycardia (fast heart rate). Heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD) and heart failure. Lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Structural heart problems. Advertisement
What are the symptoms of an ectopic heartbeat?
Some people don’t experience any symptoms of ectopic heartbeat. Other people feel symptoms when they lie down or try to go to sleep (heart palpitations at night). You may feel: An extra heartbeat, or as if your heart skipped a beat or stopped for a moment. Irregular heart rate, as if your heart is speeding up and slowing down. Pounding or fluttering in your chest. Racing (fast heartbeat).
How is ectopic heartbeat diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and listen to your heart. They’ll do a test called an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG). This 15-minute test monitors your heart rate using sensors that attach to your skin. You get this test in your healthcare provider’s office. If the EKG doesn’t detect an irregular heartbeat, your healthcare provider may recommend a Holter monitor, which is a type of ambulatory monitor. This portable device records your heart rate along with any irregular heartbeats. How long you wear a Holter depends on how frequently these irregular beats occur. These can be worn for two days or up to two weeks.
How do providers treat an ectopic heartbeat?
You may not need treatment for ectopic heartbeat. Most PVCs and PACs are harmless. Your healthcare provider will recommend lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol. You can also try meditation, yoga and other relaxation techniques to lower your stress level. If an ectopic heartbeat happens often and it’s impacting your daily life, your healthcare provider may recommend a beta-blocker. These medications slow your heart rate and make it more regular. If a health condition or other health problem is causing an ectopic heartbeat, your healthcare provider will treat the condition. Treatments vary depending on the cause. They may include arrhythmia medications. Care at Cleveland Clinic Get Arrhythmia Treatment for Adults Find a Doctor and Specialists Get Arrhythmia Treatment for Children Find a Pediatric Doctor and Specialists Make an Appointment
How can I reduce my risk of ectopic heartbeat?
You may not be able to prevent ectopic heartbeat or other types of arrhythmias. But you can lower your risk by: Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and cold medications that can make your heart race. Maintaining a healthy weight if you carry extra weight. Managing anxiety and stress levels. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Talking to your healthcare provider about a plan to quit smoking if you smoke.
Are there other conditions that put me at higher risk of ectopic heartbeat?
If you have COPD, heart disease, structural heart problems or other arrhythmias, you have a higher risk of ectopic heartbeat. See your healthcare provider for regular checkups so they can monitor your health.
What is the outlook for people with ectopic heartbeat?
Most people don’t require treatment for ectopic heartbeat, especially if the irregular beats happen infrequently or very transiently. Many people find relief from these irregular heartbeats when they make changes to their diet or lifestyle. If PACs or PVCs are getting in the way of your daily life, talk to your healthcare provider. If you have a heart problem or other health condition, talk to your healthcare provider about your prognosis to evaluate if the abnormal rhythm is related. The outlook varies depending on the condition. People who have structural heart problems are at risk of life-threatening heart conditions, such as ventricular tachycardia.
When should I see my healthcare provider about ectopic heartbeat?
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your heartbeat. It’s important to schedule a visit to rule out heart problems or other health conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Get immediate medical help if you have: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Persistent palpitations. Discomfort, tightness in your chest, or chest pain. Dizziness or confusion. Fainting (syncope) or loss of consciousness. Sudden fatigue. Swelling (edema) in your limbs, especially your legs, ankles and feet. A note from Cleveland Clinic An ectopic heartbeat usually isn’t dangerous. Most people find relief from these irregular heartbeats when they avoid caffeine, certain medications and alcohol. You can also reduce your risk of ectopic heartbeat by managing stress levels and getting help for anxiety. If you have concerns about your heartbeat, see your healthcare provider. It’s always a good idea to schedule an evaluation to rule out serious problems. See your healthcare provider right away if you have a heart condition, if you’ve had a heart attack or if you have structural heart problems. Medically Reviewed Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/06/2022. Learn more about our editorial process.
Ectopic heartbeat is a type of arrhythmia that happens when your heart beats too soon. Learn about the types, causes, symptoms and treatment options for this common condition.
Feb 22, 2022 · Ectopic beat is a harmless condition where your heartbeat is in an odd place or position. It can happen in the atria or the ventricles and may cause fluttering, pounding, or skipped heartbeats.
Mar 7, 2024 · Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a fast or erratic heartbeat that affects the heart's upper chambers. Learn about the types, symptoms, causes and treatments of SVT from Mayo Clinic.
Sep 28, 2018 · Ectopic heartbeats are extra or skipped heartbeats that are usually harmless and normal. They can be caused by stress, caffeine, or other factors. Learn about the types, diagnosis, and complications of ectopic heartbeats.
Aug 23, 2010 · Discussion. Excessive supraventricular ectopic activity was associated with significantly increased risk (>60%) of mortality and stroke. A 2.7 fold increase in rate of AF was also observed during follow up. A stepwise increase in the risk of the primary endpoint by 27% and risk of AF by 50% was noted for each increase of 10 SVEC per hour.
May 26, 2021 · Supraventricular arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate that begins above the ventricles, or lower chambers of the heart. Learn about different types, such as atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, and how to diagnose and treat them.
