|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Atrial Vs. Ventricular Premature Beats

Premature heartbeats are heartbeats that occur earlier than expected in the heart's normal rhythm. These abnormalities can originate either in the upper chambers of the heart (atria) or the lower chambers (ventricles).

  1. Premature Ventricular Contraction

    • Most premature heartbeats (contractions) arise in the heart's main pumping chambers, the ventricles, according to the Texas Arrhythmia Institute. Depending on the individual, they may happen at random or occur as a regular pattern variation of the normal heartbeat.

    Premature Atrial Contraction

    • Premature atrial contractions typically begin outside of the sinoatrial (SA) node, a segment of tissue in the right atrium that normally controls the heartbeat, the Texas Arrhythmia Institute reports. In some cases, they pass from the atria through the atrioventricular (AV) node, which conducts electrical signals to the ventricles.

    Ventricular Dangers

    • A random premature ventricular contraction that occurs in cardiac patients may indicate an increased risk for heartbeat irregularities that can cause sudden death, the Texas Arrhythmia Institute notes.

    Atrial Dangers

    • Premature atrial contractions can occur prior to dangerous changes in the atrial heartbeat, and may also indicate the presence of thyroid or lung diseases, according to the Texas Arrhythmia Institute.

    Considerations

    • In most cases, neither type of premature heartbeat poses a health risk or results in symptoms, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles