Premature ventricular contraction
Revision as of 13:54, 22 March 2016 by Ostermayer (talk | contribs) (Text replacement - "Category:Cards" to "Category:Cardiology")
Background
- Abbreviation: PVC
Causes
Clinical Features
- May be asymptomatic, or may have Palpitations
Differential Diagnosis
Palpitations
- Arrhythmias:
- Non-arrhythmic cardiac causes:
- Psychiatric causes:
- Drugs and Medications:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Drugs of abuse (e.g. cocaine)
- Medications (e.g. digoxin, theophylline)
- Tobacco
- Misc
Diagnosis
Workup
- ECG
- If PVC burden is large, consider:
- TSH
- BMP
- Magnesium level
- Ionized calcium
Management[1]
- Benign; generally does not require any treatment or additional workup
- Treat hypoxia/drug toxicity if existing
- Correct electrolyte imbalances, particularly magnesium, calcium, potassium
- Acute ischemia/infarction:
- Complex ectopy frequently seen after pt receives thrombolytics
- 1st line are beta blockers, options below[2]:
- Acute MI: Metoprolol 5 mg IV q2 min for x3 doses, then PO metoprolol 50 mg q6hrs for 2 days, followed by maintenance of 100 mg bid
- Post-MI: Atenolol 5 mg IV over 5 min, then repeat in 10 min, then PO atenolol 50 mg q12hrs for 7 days post-MI
Disposition
- Generally may be discharged (unless other indications for admission exist)
See Also
External Links
References
- ↑ Keany et al. Premature Ventricular Contraction Treatment & Management. Updated Jan 7, 2014. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/761148-treatment#d10
- ↑ McAuley DF. Beta Blockers. GlobalRPH. http://www.globalrph.com/beta.htm