Premature ventricular contraction-induced cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are very common and usually do not require treatment. However, in the clinical setting of troublesome symptoms, or when PVCs trigger polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or cause cardiomyopathy, proper treatment is critical. In this review, the clinical syndrome of PVC-induced cardiomyopathy, including risk factors for development and treatment, is discussed. Although PVC-induced cardiomyopathy is typically associated with frequent PVCs there are also patients with this burden that do not develop cardiomyopathy, suggesting a differential susceptibility. Treatment often consists of catheter ablation, although antiarrhythmic medications may also provide both reduction in PVC frequency and resolution of left ventricular dysfunction.