[Premature ventricular complexes: what to do?]

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology
• Arrhythmology

Context:

• Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are common arrhythmias in the general population.
• PVCs can be associated with structural heart disease (SHD) of various etiologies (ischemic, hypertensive, inflammatory), serving as a prognostic indicator.
• They may also occur in inherited arrhythmic syndromes or as idiopathic arrhythmias, often originating from ventricular outflow tracts like the right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT).

Purpose:

• To discuss the clinical significance and potential etiologies of premature ventricular complexes.
• To highlight the association of PVCs with underlying structural heart disease and inherited syndromes.
• To address the potential for PVCs, even in the absence of SHD, to cause PVC-induced cardiomyopathy.

Summary:

• Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are frequently observed arrhythmias with diverse origins, ranging from structural heart disease to idiopathic causes.
• Idiopathic PVCs, often originating from the right ventricle outflow tract (RVOT), are typically considered benign but can be linked to PVC-induced cardiomyopathy.
• The presence and burden of PVCs, irrespective of underlying structural heart disease, warrant careful consideration due to their potential prognostic implications and association with cardiomyopathy.

Impact:

• Enhances understanding of the varied clinical presentations and underlying mechanisms of PVCs.
• Provides insight into the prognostic value of PVCs in the presence of structural heart disease.
• Raises awareness about PVC-induced cardiomyopathy as a potential consequence of frequent PVCs, even in the absence of other cardiac pathology.