A premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is an early heartbeat that happens between normal heartbeats. 

Someone with a PVC may have no symptoms or they may feel the heart skip, flutter, or pound. They may also feel dizzy, weak, or lightheaded. 

Most kids with PVCs have a healthy heart and don't need any treatment. If a child gets a lot of PVCs, has bothersome symptoms from PVCs, or has other heart problems, the health care provider may recommend medicine or other treatments. 

• Have your child let you know when they feel PVCs. Keeping a record when PVCs happen may help you find and avoid things that make PVCs worse.
• Follow your health care provider's instructions on:
  • Which activities and sports are OK and which to avoid
  • Any medicines, herbs, or supplements to avoid
  • Any other tests your child needs
  • Making an appointment with a cardiologist (heart specialist)
  • When to follow up
• Tobacco and nicotine can make PVCs worse. Don't smoke or allow others to smoke around your child. For help quitting, call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov.
• Alcohol and street drugs can make PVCs worse. Kids should avoid them.
• Some kids get PVCs from caffeine. If your child drinks caffeine regularly, try changing to noncaffeinated drinks. Caffeine is in drinks like coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks.

Your child:

• Is having symptoms of PVCs more often at rest (such as feeling the heart skip, flutter, or pound, or feeling dizzy, weak, or lightheaded)
• Has symptoms of PVCs while exercising, which could be a sign of more concerning heart problems 

Your child: 

• Has chest pain or shortness of breath
• Passes out

How does a PVC happen? A PVC happens when an early heartbeat starts in the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart) instead of in a different group of cells higher up in the heart.

What other tests might my child need? Your health care provider may recommend tests to check your child's heart, such as: 

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): This takes a snapshot of the heart's electrical activity.
• Echocardiogram: This ultrasound of the heart checks the structures and valves of the heart, the size of the heart's chambers, and how well the heart is pumping blood.
• Holter monitor: Your child wears a small device that records the heart's electric signals over 24 or 48 hours.
• Exercise testing: Your child exercises while a machine records the heart's electric signals.