Premature beats (PACs & PVCs), made clear.

An early beat may be followed by a pause and a stronger thump. A PAC starts in an upper chamber; a PVC starts in a lower chamber.

The sensation alone cannot tell you which rhythm is present.

An EKG or wearable monitor shows the rhythm and how often early beats occur. An ultrasound may be used to check heart structure and pumping.

Many extra beats are harmless, but frequent beats or concerning symptoms need assessment.

Treatment depends on symptoms, the number of extra beats, and heart function. Options include addressing triggers, medicines, and sometimes ablation of the small area producing early signals.

This picture shows one possible PVC ablation approach; the route depends on where the beats begin.