Ectopic beat

Ectopic Beat

Ectopic beat (pronunciation: ek-top-ik beet) is a term used in medicine to describe an irregularity in the heartbeat that originates from a part of the heart other than the sinus node.

Etymology

The term "ectopic" is derived from the Greek words "ek" meaning "out of" and "topos" meaning "place". Thus, an ectopic beat is a beat that comes from a place outside the normal location in the heart.

Definition

An ectopic beat is a cardiac arrhythmia where the electrical impulse that stimulates the heart to beat does not originate from the sinus node, the heart's natural pacemaker. Instead, it originates from another part of the heart. This can result in a premature or extra heartbeat, often experienced as a palpitation by the individual.

Types of Ectopic Beats

There are two main types of ectopic beats:

Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs): These are ectopic beats that originate from the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart.
Premature Atrial Contractions (PACs): These are ectopic beats that originate from the atria, the upper chambers of the heart.

Causes

Ectopic beats can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, certain medications, and some underlying heart diseases.

Treatment

Treatment for ectopic beats depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In many cases, no treatment is necessary. However, if the ectopic beats are frequent or causing significant symptoms, treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, cardiac ablation.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Ectopic beat
Wikipedia's article - Ectopic beat

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