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Review
Evaluation and treatment of premature ventricular contractions in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
  1. Bart A Mulder,
  2. Michiel Rienstra,
  3. Yuri Blaauw
  1. Department of Cardiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
  1. Correspondence to Dr Bart A Mulder, Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, The Netherlands; b.a.mulder{at}umcg.nl

Abstract

Premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) are often observed in patients presenting with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). PVCs may in some patients be considered to be the cause of heart failure, while in others it may be the consequence of heart failure. PVCs are important prognostic markers in HFrEF. The uncertainty whether PVCs are the cause or effect in HFrEF impacts clinical decision making. In this review, we discuss the complexity of the cause–effect relationship between PVCs and HFrEF. We demonstrate a workflow with the use of a trial period of amiodarone that may discover whether the reduced LVEF is reversible, the symptoms are due to PVCs and whether biventricular pacing can be increased by the reduction of PVCs. The use of non-invasive and invasive (high-density) mapping techniques may help to improve accuracy and efficacy in the treatment of PVC, which will be demonstrated. With these results in mind, we conclude this review highlighting the future directions for PVC research and treatment.

  • electrophysiology
  • catheter ablation
  • premature ventricular beats
  • heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

https://doi.org/10.1136/heartjnl-2020-317491

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    Footnotes

    • Twitter @BA_Mulder

    • Contributors All authors contributed to the drafting of the manuscript and approved the final contents.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Patient and public involvement Patients and/or the public were not involved in the design, or conduct, or reporting, or dissemination plans of this research.

    • Patient consent for publication Not required.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.