What are the symptoms of arrhythmia?
The following are the most common symptoms of arrhythmias. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Palpitations (fast or irregular heartbeat)
- Low blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Difficulty feeding.
The symptoms of arrhythmias may be similar to other medical conditions or heart problems. Caregivers should always consult the child’s doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Another sign that a child may have an arrhythmia is a change in the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) pattern. An electrocardiogram is a special test that allows doctors to look for irregular heart rhythms. There are a number of different types of electrocardiograms that doctors can use to detect or diagnose a child’s arrhythmia.
Learn more about electrocardiograms.
What are the different types of arrhythmias?
The heart has naturally occurring pacemaker nerve cells in the atria and ventricles of the heart. An atrial arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm or heartbeat caused by abnormal function of the sinus node or the atrioventricular node. Abnormal heartbeats can also be caused by the development of other electrically charged cells making another atrial pacemaker within the atrium that takes over the function of the sinus node.
A ventricular arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat or arrhythmia caused by an abnormal conduction of electrical signals within the ventricles. In these cases, the sinus node and atrioventricular node may function normally but the child still has an abnormal heartbeat.
Arrhythmias can also be classified as slow (bradyarrhythmia) or fast (tachyarrhythmia). “Brady-” means slow, while “tachy-” means fast.
Listed below are some of the more common arrhythmias:
Atrial Arrhythmias
- Sinus arrhythmia. A condition in which the heart rate varies with breathing. Sinus arrhythmia is commonly found in children, and is not considered to be a dangerous condition.
- Sinus tachycardia. A condition in which the heart rate is faster than normal for the child’s age because the sinus node is sending out electrical impulses at a rate faster than usual. Most commonly, sinus tachycardia occurs as a normal response of the heart to exercise when the heart rate increases. Sinus tachycardia can be completely appropriate and normal, such as when a child is exercising. However, it may cause symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness or palpitations if the heart rate becomes too fast to pump an adequate supply of blood to the body. Sinus tachycardia is often temporary, happening when the body is under stress from exercise, strong emotions, fever or dehydration. Once the stress is removed, the heart rate should return to its usual rate.
- Sick sinus syndrome. This condition is not common in children and takes place when the sinus node sends out electrical signals either too slowly or too fast.
- Premature supraventricular contractions or premature atrial contractions (PAC). A condition in which the natural atrial pacemaker site above the ventricles sends out an electrical signal early. The ventricles are usually able to respond to this signal, but the result is an irregular heart rhythm. PACs are common and may occur as the result of stimulants such as coffee, tea or medications.
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT). A condition in which a series of early heartbeats are triggered from an atrial or junctional pacemaker site above the ventricles. This condition speeds up the heart rate artificially (without exercise). PAT usually begins and ends rapidly, occurring in repeated periods. This condition can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting or palpitations if the heart rate becomes too fast. This condition is the most common type of abnormal tachycardia in children, and is sometimes referred to as paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT).
- Atrial flutter. A condition in which the electrical signals come from the atria at a fast but regular rate, often causing the ventricles to contract faster and increase the heart rate.
- Atrial fibrillation. A condition in which the electrical signals come from the atria at a very fast and erratic rate. The ventricles contract in an irregular manner because of the erratic signals coming from the atria.
Ventricular Arrhythmias
- Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). A condition in which an electrical signal begins in the ventricles and causes them to contract before receiving the electrical signal to do so from the atria. PVCs are not uncommon and typically do not cause symptoms or problems. However, if the child begins getting PVCs more often, he or she may experience weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting or palpitations may be experienced.
- Ventricular tachycardia (VT). A life-threatening condition in which an electrical signal is sent from the ventricles at a very fast but often regular rate. If the heart rate is sustained at a high rate for more than 30 seconds, symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting or palpitations may be experienced. A person in VT may require an electric shock or medications to convert the rhythm back to normal.
- Ventricular fibrillation (VF). A condition in which many electrical signals are sent from the ventricles at a very fast and inconsistent rate. As a result, the ventricles are unable to fill with blood and pump. This rhythm is life-threatening because there is no pulse and complete loss of consciousness. A person in VF requires emergency medical attention, as it will result in sudden cardiac death if not treated within seconds.
- Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW). A condition in which an electrical signal may arrive at the ventricle too fast due to an extra conduction pathway or a shortcut from the atria to the ventricles. This condition often results in a rapid heart rate.
The symptoms of various arrhythmias may resemble other medical conditions or heart problems. The specialists at the CHOC Heart Institute carefully work with each patient to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
