Can a child have arrhythmia?
An arrhythmia is any change in the regular, even rhythm of the heartbeat. Most arrhythmias are harmless, but some can be serious and even life-threatening. Many arrhythmias in children are isolated occurrences and harmless, and do not need treatment.
What are the most common arrhythmias in children?
Pediatric arrhythmias account for approximately 55.1 per 100,000 patients evaluated in pediatric emergency departments. Sinus tachycardia is by far the most commonly reported arrhythmia, followed by supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) which represents about 13%, and bradycardia accounting for about 6% of all cases.
What are the warning signs of arrhythmia?
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Monitoring of Arrhythmia
- Fatigue or weakness.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Fainting or near-fainting spells.
- Rapid heartbeat or pounding in the chest.
- Shortness of breath and anxiety.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- In extreme cases, collapse and sudden cardiac arrest.
At what age do arrhythmias occur?
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reports that people over the age of 60 are more likely to develop a more serious arrhythmia. Older people are at increased risk for heart disease and often take medications that affect the heart’s rhythm.
What arrhythmia is normal in children?
Sinus arrhythmia: This is the most common type of irregular heartbeat in children. It causes a faster heartbeat when children inhale, and a slower heartbeat when they exhale. It’s a normal finding that doesn’t require treatment.
How do you check for arrhythmia at home?
Slide your fingers to the center of your wrist until you find your pulse. While taking your pulse, it’s important to remember that you’re checking your heart rhythm, not your heart rate. Rather than counting the beats, check for a steady, regular rhythm, Calkins advises.
What is cardiac arrhythmia in kids?
What are arrhythmias in children? An arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heart. In an arrhythmia, abnormal electrical signals through the heart muscle may cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly.
What triggers an arrhythmia?
Common triggers for an arrhythmia are viral illnesses, alcohol, tobacco, changes in posture, exercise, drinks containing caffeine, certain over-the-counter and prescribed medicines, and illegal recreational drugs.
Who is most at risk for arrhythmia?
Arrhythmias are more common in people who are aged 60 years and older. It’s in part due to wear and tear of an older heart. Other health or heart problems may also play a role. People who are older are more likely to have many health problems.
What causes fast heartbeat kids?
Sometimes a child’s heart beating fast and causing palpitations may be due to other conditions not directly related to the heart, such as anxiety, fever, too much caffeine or a stimulant medication, exercise, low blood sugar, or anemia.
Can arrhythmia be cured?
While medications are used to control abnormal heart rhythms, ablation procedures can cure some types of arrhythmia completely. Once treated, whether through ablation or ongoing medications, most patients with a heart rhythm issue can return to their normal activity levels.
Where do you check a pulse on a child?
The best spot to feel the pulse in a child is the wrist, called the radial pulse. Gently feel on the inside of the wrist on the thumb side. If you can’t easily find the pulse on the wrist, you can try the neck, which has the carotid pulse.
What causes irregular heartbeat in children?
In most cases an irregular heartbeat is abnormal. The most common cause of an irregular heartbeat in children is isolated premature beats. Both premature atrial contractions and premature ventricular contractions are relatively common in children.
Which are life-threatening arrhythmias?
each with their own symptoms and complications.
What is a lethal rhythm?
Lethal Rhythm is an interesting, educational and suspenseful novel that focuses on the issue of medical malpractice and the flaws our legal and health care systems. The novel reads a bit like a documentary in the early stages, but develops into a well conceived suspense novel with an compelling plot.
What medications cause an irregular heartbeat?
Common Anti-Inflammatory Painkiller Can Cause Irregular Heartbeat and Meningitis. A study published in the British Medical Journal has found that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can cause irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation).