Ectopics / PVCs / Bigeminy

[chickeninthewood]

I am confused ... are ectopic beats / PVCs / Bigeminy all the same thing?

[Thecyclist]

Yes and No. Ectopics are a generic term used to describe a heartbeat that occurs outside of NSR (Normal Sinus Rhythm which is normal regular heart beats originating from the sinus node out hearts natural pacemaker) a PVC (Pre Ventricular Contraction) is a type of Ectopic heart beat, which occurs in the Ventricle, as opposed to a PVA (Pre Atrial Contraction) which is a ectopic heartbeat that occurs in the Atrium. Both refer to heart beats that originate outside the sinus node. Bigeminy is simply two PVC's in a row, so one normal NSR beat followed by two PVC's and then a normal NSR beat. Trigeminy is three PVC's in a row, more than three is tachycardia (most likely non sustained ventricular tachycardia or NSVT).

I am not a Dr so don't take this as a definitive explanation but as someone who has experienced all of the above (except PVA) at some point I am fairly sure that is more or less correct.

Ask your Dr for more clarification if you are unsure and all of the above can only be determined via an ECG.

Further confusion is also added by some people using "palpitations" however this simply refers to one being aware of our heart beat and feeling it, i.e. to palpate.

[chickeninthewood in reply to Thecyclist]

Thank you so much, I hope you are recovered or in a better situation now Mine is referred to as PVC + bigeminey but I see the umbrella term "ectopics" sometimes too which sounds better to me!

[Thecyclist in reply to chickeninthewood]

No problem. I still get hundreds a day sometimes, had multiple ECG's, echo's and am awaiting an angiogram to get a definite answer to rule in/out any other causes , I think anxiety and mind/body connection play a big part in my case, alcohol when taken also seems to exacerbate it. I've learned to live with them on the most part. Once they know the cause they can find the appropriate treatment, beta blockers haven't really worked for me, so hopefully will get an angio soon and move on from there, thanks for asking though!

Providing there is no structural heart issues, you don't need to be overly concerned, some people notice them more than others, they are very common and most people get them at some point.

Sanjay Gupta on Youtube is a good place to go for more info he is cardiologist who knows lots on ectopics.

[chickeninthewood in reply to Thecyclist]

yes the york cardiologist is great and so much more in tune with how people like us feel, I think magnesium and a heart healthy diet is helping me and Ive cut out alcohol altogether and coffee. Shame but has to be done I think, in my case. I am waiting for a holter 24 hr test which is several months on but my son says go private Not sure but it might help if the result is to my liking! Ive heard that beta blockers can be troublesome. Just learning about these things, No other health problems detected,

[John3333333 in reply to Thecyclist]

A couplet is two ectopic beats in a row, and a triplet is a run of three ectopics (potentially nsvt).

Bigeminy is an ectopic every second beat, trigeminy is every third.