Ventricular Premature Beats: When Hospitalization is Necessary

For patients diagnosed with ventricular premature beats (VPBs), the decision to hospitalize often depends on the frequency and severity of the condition. In cases where the ventricular premature beats are occasional and not accompanied by any noticeable symptoms, hospitalization is generally not required. In fact, such cases may not even necessitate oral medication.

When Medication is Needed

However, if symptoms such as chest tightness or shortness of breath occur, and the number of ventricular premature beats exceeds 20,000 in a 24-hour period, treatment becomes essential. Similarly, if a 24-hour Holter monitor reveals that ventricular premature beats account for more than 15% of total heartbeats, medication should be considered. Commonly prescribed medications include those that support heart muscle function, as well as antiarrhythmic drugs like Propafenone, Lidocaine, and Amiodarone.

Indications for Hospitalization

High-Risk Arrhythmias

Hospitalization is strongly recommended when patients experience frequent ventricular premature beats, especially when accompanied by patterns such as bigeminy, trigeminy, or short episodes of ventricular tachycardia. These conditions indicate a higher risk of serious cardiac complications.

Danger of Sudden Cardiac Death

Particularly concerning is the presence of ventricular tachycardia, especially the Torsades de Pointes type, which is a life-threatening arrhythmia. In such cases, immediate medical attention and in-hospital monitoring are crucial, as there is a significant risk of sudden cardiac death. Timely intervention can be lifesaving and may involve intravenous medications, electrical cardioversion, or even implantable devices depending on the patient's condition.