When it comes to your health, few things grab your attention quite like the rhythm of your heart. A steady, regular heartbeat is often taken for granted. But what happens when that rhythm feels off?
If you’ve ever felt your heart skip a beat or flutter out of the blue, you might have experienced an ectopic heartbeat. While these irregular heartbeats can be alarming, understanding them can ease your worries. Read on for more information about ectopic heartbeats and what you can do if you experience them.
What is an ectopic heartbeat?
According to Pratik Dalal, MD, an interventional cardiologist with Banner – University Medicine, ectopic heartbeats are extra or missed beats that disrupt the regular rhythm of the heart.
“Ectopic beats are heartbeats that come from cells in the heart other than the main pacemaker, called the sinoatrial (SA) node,” Dr. Dalal said. “Since the heart is critical to life, we are designed to have multiple clusters of cells in the heart that can generate electricity to make a heartbeat if the SA node isn’t able to keep up.”
There are two main types of ectopic heartbeats: premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). PACs are extra beats that come from the heart's upper chambers (atria). PVCs are extra beats from the heart's lower chambers (ventricles).
Both types can feel like a fluttering, a skipped beat or a strong beat that suddenly interrupts your normal heart rhythm. These extra beats are usually not dangerous but can cause noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms of ectopic heartbeats
Ectopic heartbeats can be asymptomatic, meaning you might not feel them at all.
When symptoms do occur, the main symptom is heart palpitations or a feeling that your heart is pounding, fluttering or skipping beats. Sometimes, people have felt a skip or a stronger heartbeat in their neck and throat.
“The heart, like a rubber band, has a stronger recoil,” Dr. Dalal said. “When an extra heartbeat happens, it causes your heart to fill with more blood before the next beat. This extra filling makes your heart contract more forcefully, resulting in a stronger pulse that you can sometimes feel in your neck.”
Other symptoms of an ectopic heartbeat include:
- Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or dizzy
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty catching your breath
- Chest discomfort: A mild ache or pressure in the chest
Causes of ectopic heartbeats
“Most ectopic heartbeats happen on their own without any specific cause, but there are some factors that may contribute to developing them,” Dr. Dalal said.
Possible triggers:
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress and anxiety can increase the chance of experiencing ectopic heartbeats. When you’re stressed, your body releases adrenaline, which can affect your heart’s rhythm.
- Stimulants: Substances like caffeine, nicotine and certain medications can lead to irregular heartbeats.
- Electrolyte imbalance: If you are dehydrated or lacking in electrolytes like potassium, magnesium and calcium, it can affect the electrical impulses in your heart.
- Heart conditions: Conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure or previous heart attacks can make ectopic heartbeats more likely.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause or thyroid disorders, can affect your heart rhythm.
- Lifestyle factors: Lack of sleep, poor diet and lack of exercise can also contribute to ectopic heartbeats.
- Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol, especially in large quantities, can affect your heart’s electrical system and lead to irregular heartbeats.
Diagnosis and testing
Ectopic heartbeats are usually harmless but see your health care provider if you have continuous irregular heartbeats, symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath or a history of heart disease.
If you are worried, your provider might do some heart imaging tests to find out what’s going on. These tests include:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test records your heart’s electrical activity to find irregular beats.
- Holter monitor: A device you wear to record your heart’s activity for 24 to 48 hours.
- Event monitor: A device you wear for a longer time and activate when you feel symptoms.
- Echocardiogram: An ultrasound that shows images of your heart.
Treatment options
Most of the time, ectopic heartbeats don’t need treatment. But if they are frequent and cause problems, you can try:
- Lifestyle changes: Reduce stress, quit smoking, eat healthily, limit caffeine and alcohol and get regular exercise.
- Sleep: Ensure you are getting enough restful sleep each night.
- Relaxation techniques: Meditation, belly breathing and heart rate variability biofeedback can help manage stress and control your heartbeat and breathing.
- Hydration: Drinking enough water is important for heart health.
- Medications: “When your condition doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes and treatments, your provider may prescribe beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers,” Dr. Dalal said.
- Monitor your symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms. Note possible triggers and share this information with your health care provider.
Conclusion
Ectopic heartbeats can be scary, but they are often harmless and manageable. By understanding the causes, symptoms and treatment options, you can take control of your heart health and live a full, active life. See your health care provider or a Banner Health specialist for questions or concerns.
