Are PVCs More Than Three In A Row Considered As Ventricular Tachycardia?

Posted on Fri, 26 Jun 2015

Question: I have paroxysmal AFib and a history of PVC/PACs. Over the last week, I've had an increase in the PVCs/PACs, often experiencing 5 or more consecutively. Extensive workups have found my heart to be structurally normal and my CHADS2 score is zero. While my EP is not concerned with the increase in PVCs, it's my understanding that anything more than 3 consecutive PVCs is actually ventricular tachycardia and potentially life-threatening. Should i be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

You shouldn't worry about the PVCS, even if they are three in a row, as long as cardiac examinations found a normal functioning heart.

Yes it'strue that if pvcs are more than three in a row they are called ventricular tachycardia, if they terminate in their own is called unsustained tachycardia and they never cause in a normal heart cardiac arrest.

The only treatment recommended is betablocker.
Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (14 minutes later)

Thank you. So considered ventricular tachycardia even with heart rate between 60-70 bpm?

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

If the HR is between 60-70 bpm it's called idioventricular rhythm and it's not ventricular tachycardia.

Idioventricular rhythm it's not harmful and you shouldn't worry as long as cardiac examinations were ok.

Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar