Tests and Diagnosis: If your doctor suspects you have premature ventricular contractions, you may need an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG can detect extra contractions, identify their type and source, and detect underlying heart disease. ECG: For premature ventricular contractions that occur at different frequencies and timings, different ECG tests need to be selected. Standard ECG. During a standard ECG, the physician places sensors (electrodes) on the patient’s chest and extremities, and the ECG machine records the electrical signals passing through the heart to produce an electrocardiogram. An EKG is usually performed in a clinic or hospital and takes only a few minutes. If you have infrequent premature ventricular beats, they may go undetected during the shorter examination time of a standard ECG. In this case, you may need to use a portable monitoring device for 24 hours or longer to catch any abnormal heart rhythms. Common portable ECG devices include: 1. Ambulatory electrocardiographs. This portable device can be carried in a coat pocket or pinned to a belt or shoulder strap. It automatically records the activity of your heart over a 24-hour period, giving your doctor an idea of how your heart rhythm changes over a longer period of time. 2. ECG event recorder. This portable ECG device can also be carried in your pocket or pinned to your belt or shoulder strap for monitoring heart activity at home. When you feel symptoms, press a button and the device records an ECG for a short period of time. This can give your doctor an idea of your heart rhythm at the time your symptoms appear. Either an ambulatory electrocardiograph or an electrocardiographic event recorder can help identify the type of premature ventricular contraction. Ventricular premature beats are called ventricular tachycardia when they occur three or more times in a row – it can trigger a number of symptoms and may be a sign of a serious heart condition. 3. Exercise stress electrocardiogram. This diagnostic test uses an EKG machine to record a patient’s electrical activity while they walk on a treadmill or ride an exercise bike. It can help determine the clinical significance of premature ventricular contractions. If the preterm contractions disappear or decrease during exercise, they are usually considered harmless. Conversely, if exercise induces additional contractions, it suggests that the patient is at higher risk for developing a serious arrhythmia. Treatment and medication: Most people who have premature ventricular contractions but whose hearts are otherwise normal do not need treatment. In rare cases, when ventricular premature beats are more frequent and the symptoms are bothersome, treatment is needed to relieve the symptoms, but ventricular premature beats are generally harmless. Sometimes, if you have an underlying heart condition that can cause more serious arrhythmias, you need to try to avoid some of the possible triggers, or you may need to use medication. Lifestyle changes. Eliminating common PVC triggers – such as caffeine or tobacco – can reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. Medications. beta-blockers – commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease – can inhibit preterm contractions. Other medications such as calcium channel blockers or antiarrhythmic drugs such as amiodarone (ketorolac, Pacerone) or flecainide may also be used to treat ventricular tachycardia or very frequent premature ventricular beats, both of which can affect heart function and cause severe symptoms. 1. transcatheter radiofrequency ablation. If neither lifestyle changes nor medications improve PVCs, your doctor may recommend radiofrequency ablation. This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to destroy the heart muscle tissue that is causing the abnormal contractions. Lifestyle and home remedies: Here are some ways self-care can help control PVCs and improve the health of your heart: 2. Monitor triggers. If your symptoms occur frequently, keep a record of the symptoms that occur and your activities at the time. These can help determine what substances or behaviors trigger PVCs. 3. Reduce the use of harmful substances. Caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs are all triggers for PVCs. Reducing or eliminating the use of these substances can reduce symptoms. 4. Stress management. Anxiety can trigger an abnormal heart rate. If you think your illness may be caused by anxiety, try stress-relieving methods such as biofeedback, medication or exercise, or talk to your doctor about anti-anxiety medication.