Diseases and Conditions

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)

Overview

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra heartbeats that begin in one of your heart's two lower pumping chambers (ventricles). These extra beats disrupt your regular heart rhythm, sometimes causing you to feel a fluttering or a skipped beat in your chest.

Premature ventricular contractions are common — they occur in many people. They're also called:

  • Premature ventricular complexes
  • Ventricular premature beats
  • Ventricular extrasystoles

If you have occasional premature ventricular contractions, but you're otherwise healthy, there's probably no reason for concern, and no need for treatment. If you have frequent premature ventricular contractions or underlying heart disease, you might need treatment.