PVC stands for Premature Ventricular Contraction.
What does PVC mean?
an early extra heartbeat arising from the ventricles
PVC stands for premature ventricular contraction, an extra heartbeat that starts in the ventricles earlier than the next expected beat. It is very common and often felt as a skipped beat, a flutter, or a thump in the chest. Occasional PVCs are usually harmless in people with healthy hearts, but very frequent PVCs can, over time, weaken the heart muscle. They are seen on an ECG as an early, wide, abnormally shaped QRS complex. In notes, PVC almost always means this heart finding, though the same letters mean polyvinyl chloride in materials science.
When is PVC used?
PVC is documented in cardiology, emergency, and general medical notes when reviewing an ECG or rhythm strip.
Frequently asked questions
What does PVC stand for in medicine?
PVC stands for premature ventricular contraction, an early extra heartbeat that starts in the ventricles.
Are PVCs dangerous?
Occasional PVCs are usually harmless in a healthy heart, but very frequent PVCs can weaken the heart muscle over time.
What does a PVC feel like?
It is often felt as a skipped beat, a flutter, or a thump in the chest.
How does a PVC look on an ECG?
As an early, wide, abnormally shaped QRS complex that arrives before the next expected beat.