Ventricular Premature Complexes

(VPCs)

• An ectopic beat beginning in the ventricles below the AV node and occurring prematurely in relation the the existing cardiac rhythm.

• Often VPCs are following by a compensatory pause.

Causes

Significant myocardial damage to the heart or disease in other systems, Drug reactions, Hypoxia, Anaemia, Electrolyte and acid-base disturbances, etc.

ECG Appearance: P waves absent from the QRS complexes associated with the VPCs, wide and abnormal QRS complexes

Treatment

Treatment similar to ventricular tachycardia.