A healthy heart beats at a predictable and steady rhythm. When that rhythm is interrupted, this is a sign that your child might have arrhythmia. Childhood arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rate and rhythm.
What is childhood arrhythmia?
Arrhythmias in children are irregular heartbeats, or when the heart’s beat changes from a normal steady rhythm. An irregular heartbeat may be a heart that beats too slow (bradycardia), too fast (tachycardia), or in an unsteady pattern. Most heartbeat irregularities in children are harmless and do not require treatment, but some childhood arrhythmias require medical attention. The following are several different types of arrhythmias in children:
- Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)—A congenital heart condition that affects the heart’s electrical system. It is characterized by a long interval between heartbeats due to the heart taking too much time to recover for the next beat.
- Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)—When a child’s heart beats too fast because the heart’s electrical system is disrupted. SVT is the most frequently diagnosed childhood arrhythmia.
- Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) Syndrome—A congenital heart condition that affects the heart’s electrical system. In this type of childhood arrhythmia, the heart has an extra electrical pathway that sends electrical signals that disrupt the normal electrical pathway. This syndrome can lead to SVT.
- Sick Sinus Syndrome—Sick sinus syndrome is when a child’s heart rate fluctuates between speeds because the sinus node, which is responsible for the electrical impulses controlling the heart’s rhythm, does not send electrical signals properly.
- Complete Heart Block—A complete heart block is when the heart’s electrical signals do not flow properly between the upper (atria) and lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart. The disruption alters the heart’s normal contractions and can slow a child’s heart rate.
- Premature Contractions—Premature contractions are extra heartbeats that occur prematurely within a child’s normal heart rhythm. There are premature atrial contractions (PACs) that originate from the upper chambers of the heart, and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) that originate from the lower chambers of the heart.
What are the symptoms of childhood arrhythmia?
The symptoms of childhood arrhythmia vary, but may include:
- Heart palpitations
- Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
- Dizziness or fainting (syncope)
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your child’s primary care provider.
What causes childhood arrhythmia?
Childhood arrhythmia may be caused by congenital or acquired heart defects, inherited genetic conditions, or other factors such as electrolyte imbalance.
How is arrhythmia diagnosed in children?
A pediatric cardiologist that specialists in electrophysiology (EP) diagnoses arrhythmias in children. They start by asking your child questions about their symptoms and assessing your child’s medical and family history. The EP specialist uses a variety of diagnostic tests, which may include an electrocardiogram (ECG), Holter monitor, or EP study, to assess the heart’s electrical activity and identify the source of the problem.
- ECG—An ECG records the heart’s electrical activity through electrodes placed on your child’s chest, arms, and legs. It shows heart rate, abnormal rhythms, and heart muscle issues.
- Holter monitor—A Holter monitor is a portable ECG that records the heart’s activity continuously during your child’s normal activities. It accesses the heart’s activity over an extended duration.
- EP study—An EP study is an in-hospital test using internal catheters connected to the heart to identify the location of arrhythmias. It measures electrical signals and may trigger arrhythmias to assess behavior.
How is arrhythmia treated?
How is arrhythmia treated?
For children with an arrhythmia diagnosis, an EP specialist may recommend a variety of treatments like lifestyle changes, medications, cardioversion, ablation, pacemakers, or a defibrillator. The treatment is determined based on the arrhythmia type and severity.
- Medications—Medications to stabilize the heart’s rhythm is often the first treatment, and common medications include beta-blockers.
- Cardioversion—Cardioversion is a procedure that uses a combination of electric shocks and medications to reset the heart’s rhythm. It is a common treatment when symptoms do not go away on their own.
- Ablation—Ablation involves inserting catheters into the heart and destroying the heart tissue that is disrupting the heart’s rhythm.
- Pacemaker—A pacemaker is an implanted device near the heart, and it sends electrical signals to keep the heart beating at a normal rate.
- Defibrillator—A defibrillator is for severe arrhythmia, and it detects and restores a normal heartbeat when the heart is beating dangerously fast. It is often a life-saving device for sudden cardiac arrest.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.
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