What kind of symptoms might a patient with premature complexes experience?

Patients experiencing premature complexes, such as premature atrial contractions (PACs) or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), often report symptoms like palpitations or a sensation of a "skipping" heartbeat. This happens because the early contraction can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart, leading the individual to be acutely aware of their heartbeat. The feeling of a missed beat is related to the heart's compensatory mechanism as it attempts to normalize the rhythm after the premature contraction.

The presence of palpitations in conjunction with premature complexes can often lead to increased anxiety for the patient, as they may interpret these sensations as more serious than they are, especially in the context of an underlying heart condition. Importantly, while some people may experience significant symptoms, others may not notice any disturbances, suggesting that symptoms can vary widely among individuals.