Outcomes of untreated frequent premature ventricular complexes with normal left ventricular function

Abstract

Objective The natural history of frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) in association with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is uncertain. The optimal management of this population is thus undefined. We studied the outcomes of untreated patients with frequent PVCs and preserved LVEF. Methods This cohort study prospectively evaluated consecutive patients from 2012 to 2017, with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic frequent idiopathic PVCs (≥5% PVCs in 24 hours; normal LVEF; no cause identified on comprehensive evaluation). No suppressive therapy (ablation or antiarrhythmic drugs) were used and patients were followed with serial ambulatory ECG monitoring and echocardiography. The primary arrhythmic outcome was reduction in PVC burden to Results One hundred patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 51.8 years, 57% female) with a median PVC burden of 18.4%. Reduction to Conclusions A strategy of active surveillance is appropriate for the majority of patients with frequent idiopathic PVCs in association with preserved LVEF, owing to the low risk of developing left ventricular systolic dysfunction and the high rate of spontaneous resolution.