What does an irregular heartbeat mean in a child?

What does an irregular heartbeat mean in a child?

If your child has an arrhythmia, his or her heart might beat too fast or too slow, or it might skip a beat or have extra beats. An arrhythmia might result from a physical condition — such as a heart defect —or in response to outside factors, such as a fever, infection, and certain medications.

Can children have irregular heart beats?

Many children are diagnosed with heartbeat irregularities including: 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.

What does it mean when your heart skips every 4th beat?

Palpitations are basically a heightened awareness of your own heartbeat, explains Swadia. Your heart might beat faster, slower or differently than usual for a few reasons. Rapid, fast heartbeat at rest could be caused by stress, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, thyroid pills, cold medication, asthma drugs or diet pills.

What is a flutter heart beat?

Atrial flutter is a type of abnormal heart rhythm, or arrhythmia. It occurs when a short circuit in the heart causes the upper chambers (atria) to pump very rapidly.

Why is my daughter’s heart rate so high?

In children, these values tend to be higher depending on their age. There are a large number of reasons for the heart to beat faster than expected, from simple physiological causes, such as excitement or physical activity, to illness, such as a fever, and a range of diseases of the heart or metabolism.

Can dehydration cause atrial flutter?

No, we’re talking about just plain ol’ water. Drinking too little water leads to dehydration which can trigger an Atrial Fibrillation episode, and raises the risk for blood clots (it makes the blood thicker and more viscous).

How dangerous is irregular heartbeat?

The impacts of irregular heartbeat arrhythmia are common and may pose no threat. Irregularities in a heartbeat can range from slight inconvenience to critical conditions including sudden cardiac arrest. An irregular heartbeat can also cause blood clots and syncope/unconsciousness.

What are the signs of an irregular heartbeat?

Fainting. Fainting can often make you feel weak and unsteady,and ultimately black out,though usually only for just a few seconds.

  • Rapid heartbeat. A rapid heartbeat can cause dizziness and light headedness,and will feel like a fluttering or pounding in the chest.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • What are the dangers of an irregular heartbeat?

    Random moments of irregular heartbeat are typically harmless, but when arrhythmias last long enough to affect how well the heart works, more serious symptoms may develop, including: fatigue. dizziness. lightheadedness. fainting or nearly fainting. rapid heartbeat or pounding. anxiety.

    When to worry about an irregular heartbeat?

    Go immediately if you have additional symptoms with your irregular heartbeat or you’ve had a heart attack or other heart stress. According to Dr. Hummel, those symptoms include fainting, dizziness, chest pain, swelling in your leg or shortness of breath.

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