How to Use Cardiogram to Monitor PVCs (Premature Ventricular Contractions)

PVCs are extra heartbeats that begin in the ventricles and can feel like a flutter, skip, or pounding sensation in the chest. They may not always change your heart rate dramatically, and Cardiogram can’t detect PVCs directly, but you can still use the app to track symptoms, log when you feel them, and share that context with your doctor.

✅ Step 1: Wear Your Device Consistently

To monitor for patterns or symptoms related to PVCs, wear your compatible smartwatch regularly. Cardiogram supports:

• Apple Watch
• Fitbit
• Google Pixel Watch
• Wear OS watches
• Garmin watches

Consistent use gives you a more complete timeline of heart rate trends, activity levels, and sleep data.

📈 Step 2: Review Timeline for Indirect Clues

While PVCs may not always show up as major heart rate changes, you can still review your Timeline tab for any subtle patterns around:

• Brief spikes or drops in heart rate
• Disruptions during rest or sleep
• Heart rate changes around stress, exercise, or caffeine

Zoom in on the Timeline to examine heart rate minute-by-minute when you experience symptoms.

🏷️ Step 3: Tag Symptoms When You Feel a Flutter or Skip

Because Cardiogram can’t detect PVCs automatically, symptom tagging is your most important tool.

When you feel:

• Fluttering
• Skipped or extra beat
• Sudden pounding
• Chest discomfort
• Anxiety from palpitations

You can log it like this:

1. Open the Timeline tab
2. Tap the “...” at the top left of the day
3. Select “Add Tag”
4. Choose the time range and symptom(s)
5. Tap Save

These tags let you mark your experience, even if there isn’t a visible change in heart rate.

🕒 Step 4: Use Continuous Mode if You Feel a PVC Episode Coming On

If you feel an episode of irregular beats or palpitations beginning, turn on Continuous Mode using the Cardiogram watch app to get more frequent readings.

🩺 Step 5: Log Triggers or Medications (Optional)

PVCs are often triggered by:

• Stress or anxiety
• Caffeine or alcohol
• Lack of sleep
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Medications

You can use tags to track these triggers or note them in the BP tab’s notes section when logging related data.

📄 Step 6: Share Your Data with Your Doctor

Even if the heart rate appears normal, your doctor may benefit from seeing when symptoms occurred and what else was happening at the time.

To share your Cardiogram data:

1. Tap the Reports tab (📈 icon at the bottom)
2. Scroll to “Share with doctor”
3. Export as a PDF or CSV

Reports include:

• Your heart rate history
• Tags and symptom timestamps
• Any blood pressure logs

⚠️ A Note About Detection

Cardiogram does not detect PVCs. Most smartwatches and fitness trackers do not have the sensors or resolution required to identify single-beat irregularities like PVCs.

If your doctor needs a detailed rhythm report (like an ECG or Holter monitor), they may recommend a separate clinical device for diagnosis.

Need Help?

Have questions about symptom tracking or data export? Email us at [email protected] — we’re here to support you.