Though it may feel like the heart has skipped a beat, a premature heartbeat occurs when the heart’s normal rhythm is interrupted by an early (extra) beat. When this originates in the atria (upper chambers), it is called a premature atrial contraction (PAC). When it comes from the ventricles (lower chambers), it is called a premature ventricular contraction (PVC). In most cases, these are not considered serious, though exceptions can occur.
PACs and PVCs may feel like either a “skipped” beat or an extra beat depending on timing. If the premature beat happens before the heart has filled with blood, the contraction produces little or no blood flow, creating the sensation of a pause followed by a stronger-than-normal beat. If the heart has had time to fill before the early contraction, it may feel like an extra beat instead.
Premature beats are common in healthy people of all ages. Caffeine, alcohol, stress, and fatigue can increase their frequency. When symptoms are bothersome, treatment options may include medications or catheter ablation.