Premature Ventricular Contractions and Cardiomyopathy

Cardiol Rev. 2019 Nov/Dec;27(6):322-326. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000262.

Abstract

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are a common arrhythmia that may cause symptoms of variable severity. PVCs have recently garnered interest in their ability to induce adverse structural heart remodeling in an entity known as PVC-induced cardiomyopathy. This entity is a retrospective diagnosis that likely remains under-recognized and may occur concurrently with other forms of cardiomyopathy. The appropriate identification and management of PVCs in the setting of associated cardiomyopathy may have a significant impact on cardiac function and the clinical course, including recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction and improvement in patient functional status. Treatment consists of catheter ablation and/or antiarrhythmic drug therapy, but continued monitoring and follow-up are required, as the recurrence of high PVC burden may lead to redevelopment of cardiomyopathy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiomyopathies / etiology*
  • Female
  • Heart Failure
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Stroke Volume
  • Ventricular Function, Left
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / complications*
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / physiopathology