When Should You Worry About Skipped Beats?

Picture of Dr. Adrover
Dr. Adrover
When Should You Worry About Skipped Beats?
Are your heart palpitations becoming more frequent? Don’t wait—schedule a professional rhythm assessment at our Leesburg or Villages location today.

For most people, an occasional PVC is a minor nuisance. However, at Tri County Heart Institute, we look for specific “red flags” to determine when skipped beats require medical intervention. If you are experiencing palpitations in Leesburg or The Villages, pay attention to the frequency and the “company” they keep.

We generally become concerned if you experience:

  • The Rule of 10%: If extra beats make up a large percentage of your total daily heartbeats (often measured via a Holter monitor), it can eventually cause the heart muscle to weaken.
  • Associated Symptoms: If the “skips” are accompanied by lightheadedness, chest pain, or significant shortness of breath.
  • Exercise-Induced Skips: PVCs that get worse during physical activity rather than better often require a more in-depth look.

As we detailed in “When Palpitations Aren’t ‘Just Stress’—Red Flags to Know”, a normal EKG in the office doesn’t always tell the whole story. Because these beats are intermittent, we often use advanced monitoring to capture them while you are at home or active.

If your heart feels like it is constantly “misfiring,” it is important to rule out underlying structural issues or more complex arrhythmias to keep your heart healthy for the long term.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for education only and does not replace medical advice. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms.

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