Arrhythmias in children

An arrhythmia, or abnormal heartbeat, is a change in the normal rhythm of the heart. Your child's heart may beat too fast or too slow. Or it may beat with an irregular or skipping rhythm.

The heart has an electrical system that creates signals to make the heart pump. When something affects those signals, an abnormal heartbeat can occur. Some types of arrhythmias aren't a problem. But others are more serious and may need treatment.

Some children don't have symptoms from an abnormal heartbeat.

But an arrhythmia can cause many symptoms. Your child may:

• Feel weak or tired.
• Feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• Feel their heart beat fast or skip a beat.
• Act cranky (in babies).
• Have chest pain.
• Pass out.

To diagnose an arrhythmia, the doctor will listen to your child's heart and ask about your child's symptoms. The doctor will also ask about any heart problems in your family. You may be asked to keep a diary of your child's symptoms.

Your child may have tests at the doctor's office. Or the doctor may want you to go to a specialist (pediatric cardiologist) for tests.

Tests that your child may have include:

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG).

This test measures the electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm. The EKG shows the heart's activity as line tracings.

An at-home heart monitor.

Your child might use a heart monitor at home. It may be worn or carried. The monitor records EKGs of your child's heart.

An electrophysiology study.

A doctor puts thin tubes called catheters into blood vessels and moves them to the heart. The catheters have electrodes at the tips. They give the doctor details about the heart's electrical activity.

Treatment depends on the type of arrhythmia. You may take medicines that slow your heart rate or stop the arrhythmia. Procedures such as cardioversion and catheter ablation may be done. Other options include a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). A pacemaker helps your heart beat normally. An ICD can stop a dangerous arrhythmia.

If your child takes medicines, give them exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if your child is having a problem with medicines. Ask your doctor before giving your child over-the-counter medicines such as decongestants. Follow any other instructions, such as limiting your child's activity or keeping a diary of your child's symptoms.