Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
09:31

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography

Published on: January 27, 2023

1.7K

Characteristics of premature ventricular contractions in healthy children and their impact on left ventricular

Sylvia Abadir1, Charlotte Blanchet2, Anne Fournier2

  • 1Division of Cardiology, CHU Mère-enfant Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Electrophysiology Service and Adult Congenital Heart Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Heart Rhythm
|July 10, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in children are usually benign. A shorter PVC coupling interval (<365 ms) is linked to mild left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, which often resolves.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Cardiac Imaging

Background:

  • Limited data exist on premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in healthy children.
  • The impact of PVCs on left ventricular (LV) function in this population is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prevalence of LV systolic dysfunction in children with frequent PVCs (≥10%).
  • To determine if PVC characteristics are associated with LV systolic dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • A single-center cohort study included children with structurally normal hearts and PVC burden ≥10% detected by 24-hour Holter monitoring.
  • Data on clinical, arrhythmic, and echocardiographic parameters were reviewed at baseline and follow-up.

Main Results:

  • 15% of children (n=47) exhibited reduced LV shortening fraction (Z-score <-2).
  • A shorter PVC coupling interval (<365 ms) strongly correlated with LV systolic dysfunction (AUC 0.95, P <.001).
  • PVC burden decreased significantly during follow-up, with spontaneous resolution in most cases.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent PVCs in children with normal hearts generally have a benign prognosis.
  • Mild LV systolic dysfunction is associated with a shorter PVC coupling interval and often resolves spontaneously.
Abstract

Keywords:
CardiomyopathyChildrenCoupling intervalLeft ventricular functionPremature ventricular contractions

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Advancing Neonatal Cardiac Diagnostics with Echocardiography-Derived Blood Speckle Imaging07:13

Author Spotlight: Advancing Neonatal Cardiac Diagnostics with Echocardiography-Derived Blood Speckle Imaging

Published on: December 22, 2023

2.0K
Author Spotlight: Establishment and Confirmation of a Postnatal Right Ventricular Volume Overload Mouse Model06:04

Author Spotlight: Establishment and Confirmation of a Postnatal Right Ventricular Volume Overload Mouse Model

Published on: June 9, 2023

1.6K

Related Concept Videos

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias01:29

Dysrhythmias III: Characteristics of Dysrhythmias

Dysrhythmias, also known as arrhythmias, are irregular heart rhythms that result from abnormal electrical activity in the heart, affecting its ability to circulate blood efficiently. Tachyarrhythmias, a subset of dysrhythmias, are characterized by abnormally fast heart rates exceeding 100 beats per minute. Here are some types of tachyarrhythmias with their distinct ECG features:Sinus Tachycardia:Sinus tachycardia presents a regular heart rhythm with an increased rate of 101-180 beats per...
641
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...
763
Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm01:19

Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm

The normal cardiac rhythm is a synchronized electrical activity that facilitates the regular and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. This process is essential for efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The fundamental elements involved in establishing and maintaining this rhythm include the unique electrical properties of cardiac muscle cells, the sinoatrial (SA) node's pacemaker function, the specialized conducting system, and the ionic mechanisms underlying each phase...
10.2K
Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
3.5K
ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias01:25

ECG Interpretation of Arrhythmias II: Atrial, Junctional and Ventricular Arrhythmias

Arrhythmia is a condition characterized by an irregular heart rhythm, with ECG changes that differ based on its origin and nature. The types of arrhythmias discussed below include atrial, junctional, and ventricular arrhythmias.Atrial ArrhythmiasPremature Atrial Complexes (PACs): PACs are early atrial beats caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, or certain medications (e.g., bronchodilators and decongestants). The ECG shows early P waves with an...
814
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
627