That sudden flutter, the skipped beat, the racing heart that seems to come out of nowhere. These sensations are hard to ignore and even harder to explain on your own. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) are among the most common reasons patients seek out a heart rhythm specialist, yet they are frequently misunderstood or prematurely dismissed.
Dr. Menachem Wakslak at Valley Heart & Rhythm is a board-certified cardiac electrophysiologist who has evaluated and treated complex heart rhythm conditions in the San Fernando Valley since 2012, bringing subspecialty precision and a deeply personal approach to every evaluation.
What Are PVCs?
Premature ventricular contractions are extra heartbeats that originate in the lower chambers of the heart. They often feel like a skip, a flip-flop, or a strong thump in the chest. PVCs are common and often benign, but when they occur in large numbers or in certain patterns, they can affect cardiac function and quality of life. A focused evaluation helps determine whether your PVCs require treatment or simply reassurance.
What Is Ventricular Tachycardia?
Ventricular tachycardia is a fast heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles, the heart’s lower pumping chambers, and reaches 100 beats per minute or more. Episodes can be brief or sustained, and symptoms vary widely. Some people experience palpitations, dizziness, or fainting; others have no obvious symptoms at all. Because VT can signal underlying heart disease or carry serious risks, an evaluation by a cardiac electrophysiologist is important.
Symptoms That Prompt Evaluation
If you are experiencing any of the following, a heart rhythm evaluation is worth pursuing:
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Racing or pounding heartbeat
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Fluttering or skipped beats in the chest
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Fainting or near-fainting (syncope)
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Shortness of breath during or after episodes
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Chest discomfort
What the Evaluation Involves
A VT and PVC evaluation begins with a thorough review of your symptoms, health history, and any prior cardiac testing. From there, Dr. Wakslak tailors the workup to your specific situation. Testing may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), an ambulatory heart monitor worn for days or weeks to capture your heart rhythm during everyday activities, an echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function, and additional imaging or exercise testing when appropriate.
The goal is not simply to identify the arrhythmia. It is to understand what is causing it and what it means for you specifically.
Treatment Options
Not every PVC or VT episode requires intervention. Treatment decisions depend on the type and frequency of the arrhythmia, the presence of any underlying heart condition, and how your symptoms are affecting your daily life. Options may include lifestyle changes, medication management, or catheter ablation for patients with frequent, symptomatic, or function-affecting arrhythmias.
Dr. Wakslak explains every option in plain language and gives you an honest picture of what each approach involves. Recommendations are always based on what is right for you, not a standard protocol.
Why Choose Valley Heart & Rhythm for VT & PVC Evaluation in Tarzana, CA?
A thorough evaluation of ventricular tachycardia and PVCs requires more than ordering a test and reviewing a report. It takes a physician who understands the full picture: your symptoms, your heart structure, your risk factors, and your goals. Dr. Wakslak and his team bring that level of attention to every patient. With more than a decade of electrophysiology experience in the San Fernando Valley, Dr. Wakslak performs the full range of heart rhythm procedures and uses advanced diagnostic tools to deliver precise, individualized answers.
Valley Heart & Rhythm was built around one core principle: care should be physician-led from start to finish. There are no rotating providers, no handoffs, and no clinical decisions made without the physician who knows your complete history. The team is intentionally small, which means everyone on staff knows your name and your case. When you come to Valley Heart & Rhythm, we see you as a person first, not a diagnosis code.
Get Answers for Your Heart Rhythm Concerns
Unexplained palpitations, a racing heart, or episodes of dizziness or fainting are signals worth taking seriously. VT and PVC evaluation at Valley Heart & Rhythm is part of a comprehensive approach to heart rhythm care.
To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Wakslak, call (818) 724-8000. Valley Heart & Rhythm is located in Tarzana and serves patients throughout the greater San Fernando Valley.
