Ectopic heartbeats are an arrhythmia involving small variations in an otherwise normal heartbeat. In many cases, they may occur without obvious cause and be benign.

Other times, however, they are associated with electrolyte abnormalities in the blood which should be corrected. They can also be associated with ischemia, or local reduction in blood supply to the heart. In addition, ectopic beats may be caused or aggravated by excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine, certain medications, and some illicit drugs.

Ectopic beats are rare in children other than those with congenital heart disease. The majority of extra heartbeats in children are PAC's (premature atrial contractions), which are almost always benign.

In adults, ectopic beats can occur more commonly, and underlying reversible reasons should be investigated even if it turns out that no treatment is ultimately needed.

• the sensation of feeling heart beat (palpitations)
• the sensation of stopped or skipped beats

A physical examination may show an occasional irregularity, but if the ectopic beats do not occur frequently, they may not be detectable on physical exam. Blood pressure is usually normal.

An ectopic heartbeat may be revealed on:

• an ECG
• continuous ambulatory cardiac monitoring (Holter)

Etopic beats may also be observed during:

• an echocardiogram
• coronary angiography

• ventricular tachycardia (occasionally)
• other arrhythmias (occasionally)

Call your health care provider if you feel palpitations that are persistent or are accompanied by chest pain or other symptoms.

Call your health care provider if ectopic heartbeats have been diagnosed and the symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment.