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Ectopic beat
CARDIAC ECTOPY
‘Ectopic’ means out of place and refers to an irregular heart beat that is usually harmless
About ectopic beats
Ectopic beats are premature or extra heartbeats, which can cause you to have palpitations. They happen when cells away from your heart's own natural pacemaker get excited or irritated and release an electrical signal causing an extra or early heartbeat. There is often a slight pause after the extra beat, giving you the sensation of a missed beat.
Need to know
- a pounding or fluttering sensation in your chest
- your heart beating erratically
- similar sensations in your throat or neck
Ectopic beats are usually nothing to be concerned about. However, it's a good idea to contact a consultant if they last a long time, don't improve, get worse or if you have a history of heart problems. Your consultant will speak to you about your symptoms, take your medical history and perform a physical examination of your chest using a stethoscope. They may also request the following tests:
- blood tests
- electrocardiogram (ECG), to check your heart rate
- echocardiogram (an ultrasound scan of your heart)
Whether or not you need treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your ectopic heart beat, how severe your symptoms are and whether or not your heart is normal. Treatment options may include:
- prevention, identifying and avoiding the triggers of your ectopic beats may help
- beta blockers — medications that can lower your heart rate and control your heart rhythm
- antiarrhythmic drugs which reduce the irritability of the ectopic area
Our Ectopic beat locations
The Cardiac Clinic
London Bridge Hospital SE1 2PR London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.