These are also known as premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), are extra heartbeats that occur in the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. These contractions occur before the normal heartbeat, and can cause a sensation of a skipped or "extra" beat. PVCs are generally considered harmless, but in some cases, they can indicate an underlying heart condition. If you are experiencing frequent or severe PVCs, you should consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation. The management of ventricular ectopics depends on the underlying cause and the frequency and severity of the beats. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary if the ectopics are infrequent and do not cause symptoms. However, if the ectopics are frequent or causing symptoms, treatment options may include: lifestyle changes, medications & possibly ablation. Medications: Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anti-arrhythmic drugs can be used to slow the heart rate and regulate the rhythm. Lifestyle changes: Avoiding triggers such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can help reduce the frequency of ectopics. Ectopic heartbeats do not need treating per se but if they affect quality of life & cause undue anxiety, they can be treated with medications. A small proportion of people produce thousands upon thousands of ectopics per day. These can be treated with an ablation procedure.
Palpitations become concerning if they are associated with chest pain, dizzy episodes or blackouts. If they affect quality of life in any way, they should be investigated.