Ventricular Premature Beats Can Be Treated Effectively With Medication

Heart rhythm disorders can be concerning, but with proper treatment, patients can experience significant relief and improved quality of life. This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and all patient-related details have been modified to protect privacy.

Overview

Ventricular premature beats (VPBs) are among the most common types of arrhythmias, often occurring before a normal heartbeat. This article discusses the case of a 49-year-old male patient who experienced sudden palpitations seven days prior to visiting our hospital. His symptoms worsened three days before admission, prompting him to seek medical attention. After undergoing an electrocardiogram (ECG), he was diagnosed with ventricular premature beats. His treatment plan focused on improving myocardial blood supply and metabolism, as well as stabilizing internal balance. Following successful treatment, his symptoms improved, and he was discharged in stable condition.

Patient Profile

Age & Gender: Male, 49 years old
Diagnosis: Arrhythmia (Ventricular Premature Beats)
Hospital: The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University
Date of Visit: January 2022
Treatment Plan: Intravenous therapy (Adenosine Disodium Triphosphate Injection, Xiangdan Injection) + oral medications (Shensong Yangxin Capsule, Metoprolol Tartrate Tablets, Yixin Shu Tablets, Ilaprazole Enteric-coated Tablets)
Treatment Duration: 3 days of inpatient care with long-term follow-up
Outcome: Palpitations resolved, stable condition

Initial Consultation

The patient first experienced palpitations without any obvious trigger seven days prior to his visit. Each episode lasted about 15–30 minutes, with a heart rate of approximately 150–170 beats per minute. The episodes would stop on their own after resting. He visited a local hospital where an ECG revealed ventricular premature beats, but no medication was prescribed. Three days before admission to our hospital, the palpitations returned with increased intensity, prompting him to seek further care. Upon examination, his heart size was normal, heart rate was 67 bpm, and no pathological murmurs were detected. An ECG showed sinus bradycardia, right ventricular high voltage, and flattened T waves in certain leads. An echocardiogram revealed no significant abnormalities. Based on these findings, he was diagnosed with ventricular premature beats and admitted for treatment.

Treatment Plan and Progress

Once admitted, the patient underwent further diagnostic testing, including a Holter monitor, which confirmed the presence of ventricular premature beats. A treatment strategy was developed to improve myocardial metabolism and blood supply while maintaining internal stability. Vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate, were closely monitored throughout his stay.

Intravenous therapy included Adenosine Disodium Triphosphate to support heart muscle metabolism and Xiangdan Injection to enhance coronary blood flow. Oral medications were also prescribed: Shensong Yangxin Capsule and Yixin Shu Tablets to support heart function, Metoprolol Tartrate to regulate heart rate, and Ilaprazole Enteric-coated Tablets to protect the gastric lining from potential side effects of other medications.

Positive Response to Treatment

After three days of treatment, the patient reported a significant reduction in palpitations. He slept well at night, with no episodes of excessive sweating, chest tightness, or chest pain. His heart rate had dropped to 60 bpm, and there were no pathological murmurs detected during physical examination. Based on his overall improvement, he was discharged with instructions to continue his prescribed medication regimen. One month later, during a follow-up visit, he reported no recurrence of palpitations. An ECG confirmed normal sinus rhythm, indicating effective management of his condition.

Post-Discharge Recommendations

To support long-term heart health and prevent recurrence, the patient was advised to follow these guidelines:

Rest and Recovery: Prioritize rest and avoid overexertion, infections, and cold exposure to reduce the risk of symptom flare-ups.
Medication Adherence: Continue taking all prescribed medications as directed. Do not stop or adjust dosages without consulting a physician. If side effects such as nausea or vomiting occur, contact the cardiology department for adjustments.
Dietary Adjustments: Adopt a heart-healthy diet that is low in salt and fat. Avoid binge eating, which can place additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
Regular Monitoring: Schedule periodic check-ups for kidney and liver function, electrolyte levels, and ECGs. Keep track of blood pressure and heart rate at home.

Clinical Insights

Palpitations can arise from physiological, functional, or pathological causes. In many cases, they are benign and require no intervention. However, when arrhythmias such as ventricular premature beats are involved, timely medical attention is crucial. In this case, the patient initially delayed treatment but eventually sought care when symptoms intensified. Fortunately, his condition was relatively mild, and with appropriate medication, his symptoms were well-controlled. His commitment to follow-up care and medication adherence played a key role in his recovery. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and consistent management in achieving positive outcomes for patients with arrhythmias.