In healthy people without heart disease, premature ventricular contractions need no treatment. For relief of palpitations, one may consider the following measures:
- Stop alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Stop over-the-counter nasal decongestants that may contain adrenaline, such as medications containing pseudoephedrine (certain weight loss supplements may aggravate premature ventricular contractions, and should never be used without consulting with your physician).
- Stop abuse of drugs such as amphetamines and cocaine.
- Stop cigarette smoking.
Conditions that can cause premature ventricular contractions can also be potentiality life-threatening. These conditions are often treated in hospital-monitored beds. Monitored beds are beds (or rooms) that are equipped to record the patients' heart rhythm continuously. Patients are also given intravenous medications. These conditions are:
- Low potassium or magnesium levels (hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia). Potassium and magnesium can be given intravenously.
- Digoxin and aminophylline toxicity. Medications can be given to counteract drug toxicity.
- Acute heart attack. Medications and procedures (coronary angiogram and angioplasty) are performed urgently to open blocked coronary arteries to restore blood supply to the heart muscle.
- Low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia). Oxygen can be given nasally, and medications can be given to treat the underlying lung diseases.
The reasons for treating premature ventricular contractions are:
- To relieve symptoms of palpitation.
- To treat conditions that cause premature ventricular contractions since many conditions that cause premature ventricular contractions are potentially lifethreatening.
- To prevent ventricular tachycardia and sudden death.
This answer should not be considered medical advice...This answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.
Archived: March 20, 2014
Thanks for your feedback.
27 of 38 found this helpful