Arrhythmia in Children

• Childhood arrhythmia usually affects children periodically, but if the child does not receive treatment and the symptoms last for longer than 24 hours, it could lead to heart failure.
• Cases of childhood arrhythmia are mostly due to congenital heart defects or factors which affect a child after birth, such as heart valve regurgitation and myocarditis.
• Lifestyle adjustments can help prevent arrhythmia.

There are numerous occasions where a young infant suffers from arrhythmia, with the heart sometimes beating too slowly or too quickly. In some cases, the child may look exhausted or is crying out incessantly. It could be that the parents do not suspect anything out of the ordinary as they could not imagine that their child may be suffering from heart disease. 
 

Arrhythmia in children tends to occur due to congenital heart defects or factors which affect a child after birth, such as inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), heart valve regurgitation, which can lead to irregularities in electromechanical heart activity or damage to the electromechanical activity of the heart. This, in turn, can result in a lack of efficiency with the heart not being capable of pumping blood to the various bodily organs.

Arrhythmia tends not to display any outward symptoms. However, the following symptoms may be noticeable:

• Heart palpitations and an abnormally fast heartbeat while asleep or resting, with the child not crying or taking part in any physical activity at the time.
• An irregular, inconsistent heartbeat which may feel as if the beating stops completely for a moment.
• Children looking exhausted or feeling faint.

If the arrhythmia causes the heart to stop pumping blood through the body for an extended period of time, the heart may fail altogether. Hence, parents should take their child to seek immediate medical attention at a hospital if any of the following symptoms arise:

• The child is particularly fussy and uncooperative.
• The child experiences sudden weakness in arms and legs.
• The child feels dizzy and faints.
• The child ceases breathing.
• The child feels a tightness in the chest alongside experiencing heart palpitations.
   

• An inquiry into the child’s medical history and a full body checkup will be carried out as some children may have ingested caffeinated beverages or other stimulants without their guardians knowing. Alternatively, some children may be suffering from other forms of health disorder, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• An electrocardiogram will be undertaken when a child displays symptoms.
• A Holter monitor is installed for children who experience often but inconsistent symptoms. A small sticker containing an electrode is stuck onto the child’s chest which is connected to a recorder that analyzes the heart’s electromechanical signals for a period of between 24-48 hours to identify any irregularities.
• An echocardiogram may be undertaken to assess heart function efficiency.

• Medication may be used to regulate the heartbeat, ensuring that the heart beats consistently. Examples of such medication include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and anti-arrhythmic drugs, all of which may be used alongside anticoagulant medication to prevent blood clotting.
• The installation of a pacemaker may be considered for children whose hearts beat slower than usual. The device is installed just underneath the skin on the chest and works by analyzing the heartbeat and then correcting the heartbeat when necessary.
• Using a cardioversion to correct the heart beat is suitable for children whose hearts beat faster than usual. Electrodes are attached to the child’s chest and send electromechanical signals to the heart from an external device in order to correct the child’s heartbeat.

It can be difficult to identify arrhythmia in children, especially in infants. However, parents and guardians should not overlook anything unusual that may be affecting their child. This includes regulating your child’s lifestyle to ensure that they are not allowed to become overweight. Make sure that they are eating a healthy, balanced diet, low in fats and sugars, and that they have the opportunity to be active and regularly exercise. Moreover, be sure to keep a close eye on any changes in your child’s health or behavior, in order to prevent any health issues arising in the future.

Comprehensive Pediatric Cardiology Care in Bangkok, Thailand

When it comes to your child’s heart health, timing and specialized expertise make all the difference. At the Pediatric and Neonatal Cardiology and Heart Surgery Center at Samitivej International Children's Hospital, we provide world-class diagnostic services and advanced treatment options for infants, children, and adolescents experiencing irregular heartbeats, congenital heart conditions, and myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation).

Our dedicated team of pediatric cardiologists in Bangkok utilizes state-of-the-art medical technology—including advanced pediatric ECG and echocardiography labs—to accurately diagnose complex cardiac conditions. We understand that a child’s heart requires a gentle, highly specialized approach. This is why our tailored treatment plans focus on minimally invasive interventional cardiology to ensure maximum safety, reduced pain, and a faster return to a normal, active childhood.If you have noticed any warning signs or want a comprehensive screening for your child, contact our children's heart hospital team in Thailand today. Schedule a consultation with a leading specialist at either our Samitivej Sukhumvit or Samitivej Srinakarin campus.