Ectopic heartbeat

Definition

Alternative Names

Causes

Ectopic heartbeats are an arrhythmia involving small variations in an otherwise normal heartbeat. In many cases, they may occur without obvious cause and be benign.

Other times, however, they are associated with electrolyte abnormalities in the blood which should be corrected. They can also be associated with ischemia, or local reduction in blood supply to the heart. In addition, ectopic beats may be caused or aggravated by excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine, certain medications, and some illicit drugs.

Ectopic beats are rare in children other than those with congenital heart disease. The majority of extra heartbeats in children are PAC's (premature atrial contractions), which are almost always benign.

In adults, ectopic beats can occur more commonly, and underlying reversible reasons should be investigated even if it turns out that no treatment is ultimately needed.