ConditionsGeneral information

Extrasystoles

Extra heart contractions that occur before the next beat.

Detailed articles: 2

Reviewed by a doctorSherzod Nasirovich SabirovCardiologist-arrhythmologist

Short answer

An extrasystole is a premature contraction of the heart. It is often felt as the heart “stopping” or “jolting”. In most cases it is safe, but if it occurs alongside heart disease, it should be checked.

This is general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.

Normal sinus rhythm

Extrasystole: a beat that comes before its turn

Two recordings over the same length of time. Schematic image, not a patient recording.

Reviewed by a doctor

In detail: articles on this topic

Symptoms6 min read

When your heart beats irregularly or seems to stop: what is it and do you need tests?

One of the causes of an irregular heartbeat or a feeling that the heart has “stopped” is extra (ectopic) beats, that is, extrasystoles. They are often harmless, but only tests can tell. The most important thing is an ECG taken during the symptoms: the rhythm needs to be seen exactly during an episode. If dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting join in, do not wait.

In the article:

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Tests7 min read

ECG, Holter or long-term monitoring: which test answers which question?

An ECG gives a recording of the heart rhythm at that moment, while Holter monitoring usually keeps recording for 24–48 hours. The choice depends on how often the symptoms occur: if almost every day, a Holter; if less often, an external recorder worn for up to about one month; if less than once a month, an implantable monitor. The doctor decides which one you need. For severe chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, call 103.

In the article:

Read the paper

Frequently asked questions

Are extrasystoles dangerous?

They are often harmless, but only tests can tell. If the extra beats make up 10 % or more of all beats and at the same time the pumping strength of the heart has dropped for no clear reason, the guideline says to consider further tests, for example a cardiac MRI. Your doctor assesses your situation.

Answer from the article: When your heart beats irregularly or seems to stop: what is it and do you need tests?

What is the main difference between an ECG and a Holter?

An ECG records the rhythm over a short time, while a Holter usually keeps recording for 24–48 hours during everyday life. If a symptom comes and goes, a recording made exactly during the symptom is the most important, so a method that records for longer may be needed.

Answer from the article: ECG, Holter or long-term monitoring: which test answers which question?

If the heart seems to “stop”, does it really stop?

AFib Matters describes this sensation as beats feeling “skipped” or “dropped”. Only an ECG taken during the symptoms shows what actually happened to the rhythm. If you faint, do not wait and call 103; if you feel dizzy, see a doctor urgently.