Premature junctional contractions (PJCs) are early, extra heartbeats. Occasional PJCs are usually not harmful, but they can be a sign of another heart condition. Symptoms may include fatigue and lightheadedness. Your provider will work with you to find the cause of PJCs and recommend treatment if needed.
A premature junctional contraction (PJC) is an early, extra heartbeat. A PJC starts in the junction of the heart, also known as the atrioventricular (AV) junction. The junction is near the middle of the heart between the atria (upper chambers) and ventricles (lower chambers).
PJCs are a type of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). The heart typically produces electrical signals that make it beat in a regular rhythm. When you have an arrhythmia, something interferes with these electrical signals. Arrhythmias can cause heartbeats that are:
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Most people who get a PJC have heart failure or an existing heart condition. However, PJCs can also happen in healthy hearts.
PJCs are less common than other types of extra heartbeats, such as premature atrial contractions (PACs) or premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). The most common type of arrhythmia is atrial fibrillation (Afib), which affects at least 2.7 million adults.
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If PJCs happen only occasionally, they may not cause any problems. But frequent and regular PJCs can lead to junctional tachycardia, a fast heartbeat that comes from the heart’s junction. Junctional tachycardia may require treatment, such as medication, to slow the heart to a steady pace.
Causes of PJCs include:
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If PJCs don’t happen often, you may not have symptoms. But if you have frequent PJCs, you may notice:
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical examination. They’ll also ask you about your:
If your provider suspects an arrhythmia, they may perform an electrocardiogram (EKG). This noninvasive test measures and records your heart’s rhythm with electrodes (pads you stick on your chest) and a special computer.
A PJC may show up as a small extra beat on your EKG results, even if your regular heart rhythm is normal. But in some cases, a PJC can “hide” inside the regular heartbeat on an EKG. If an EKG doesn’t provide a clear diagnosis, your provider may recommend further testing, such as:
Your provider treats the underlying cause of PJCs to restore a regular heart rhythm. Your treatment may include:
You can’t always prevent PJCs. But following a healthy lifestyle and seeing your provider regularly can help keep your heart healthy. Your provider may recommend that you:
With proper treatment of underlying causes, PJCs may improve or go away.
An occasional PJC does not damage the heart. If PJCs are caused by another heart condition, see your provider regularly to keep your heart healthy. Regular visits to your provider can help you prevent or minimize long-term effects from heart conditions.
See your provider if your symptoms change or get worse. Contact your provider if you notice signs of heart failure, such as:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Premature junctional contractions are usually mild and may only require regular checkups with your provider. If you have a heart condition causing PJCs, your provider can recommend an effective treatment. Many people with PJCs live healthy, active lives.
Last reviewed on 03/15/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy