ectopic beat

Definition ectopic beat

ectopic beat: ectopic beat (extrasystole) a heart beat due to an impulse generated somewhere in the the heart outside the sinoatrial node. Ectopic beats are generally premature in timing; they are classified as supraventricular if they originate in the atria and ventricular if they arise from a fucus in the ventricles. They may be produced by any heart disease, by nicotine from smoking, or by caffeine from excessive tea or coffe consumption; they are common in normal individuals. The patient may be unaware of their presence or may feel that his heart has missed a beat. Ectopic beats may be suppressed by drugs such as quinidine, propranolol, and lignocaine ; avoidance of smoking and reduction in excessive tea or coffee intake may help. See arrhythmia.