Patient's question:
My husband has been feeling weak all over and his heart rate is faster recently. Occasionally, he also feels like his heart suddenly stops. He went to the hospital for an ECG, and the doctor said it was premature beats. He prescribed many medications, and after taking them at home, he felt much better. However, it has been intermittent ever since. How should premature beats be addressed?Doctor's answer:
Premature beats refer to the heartbeat sounds caused by premature beats originating from ectopic pacing sites, and they are the most common type of arrhythmia.Treatment 1. The treatment principles should be determined based on the presence or absence of organic heart disease, how it interferes with cardiac output, and the potential for expansion into severe arrhythmias.
2. Premature beats without an organic heart disease foundation generally do not require special treatment. Symptomatic patients should be reassured. Premature beats induced by excessive tension or activity can be treated with experimental sedatives and β-blockers.
3. If the premature beats occur frequently, symptoms are significant, or they are accompanied by organic heart disease, it is recommended to identify the cause and triggers of the premature beats as soon as possible. Additional treatment should be provided for the cause and triggers, while potential life-threatening risks should be correctly identified and actively treated.