Premature ventricular contraction-induced cardiomyopathy: an emerging entity

Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther. 2016 Nov;14(11):1227-1234. doi: 10.1080/14779072.2016.1222901. Epub 2016 Aug 23.

Abstract

Over the past 10-15 years, there has been an increasing amount of evidence that frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are associated with the development of a reversible cardiomyopathy. Areas covered: This review considers current evidence of the association between PVCs and the development of cardiomyopathy, risk factors, and available treatment modalities based on available published literature. Expert commentary: The field is rapidly evolving, although evidence is based primarily on observational studies. Pharmacological therapy may suppress PVCs and lead to resolution of cardiomyopathy in many patients. In addition, catheter ablation has emerged as an effective treatment modality that has compared favorably to pharmacological antiarrhythmic therapy. The excellent outcome in successfully treated patients should prompt physicians to consider whether frequent PVCs may be a contributing factor in patients with heart failure.

Keywords: Premature ventricular contractions; cardiomyopathy; catheter ablation; outflow tract arrhythmia; premature ventricular complexes; ventricular arrhythmia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiomyopathies / diagnosis
  • Cardiomyopathies / epidemiology
  • Cardiomyopathies / physiopathology
  • Cardiomyopathies / therapy*
  • Catheter Ablation*
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / complications
  • Ventricular Premature Complexes / therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Arrhythmia Agents