|
|
 |
Overview |
Staff |
Links
Tachycardia
A fast heart rate is called “tachycardia” (tak-i-kar-dee-ah).
The definition of what is too fast depends upon the age of
the child and what the child is going (example: running,
sleeping). A newborn baby’s heart rate is faster at rest
than a teenage child’s. A newborn baby probably has
tachycardia if its resting hear rate is more than 160 beats
per minute. A teenager has tachycardia if the resting heart
rate is more than 100 beats per minute. When exercising or
crying, the heart rate will be faster. A teenager who is
exercising may have a normal heart rate as high as 200 beats
per minutes.
The electrical impulse that starts each heart beat normally
begins at a place in the upper right heart chamber called
the sinus node. The sinus node is also called the pacemaker.
If the sinus node speed is fast, the heart beats fast. This
rhythm is called “sinus tachycardia”. This happens with
fever, excitement and exercise. This is a NORMAL
TACHYCARDIA. Treatment is not needed.
Supraventicular Tachycardia (SVT)
The most common type of abnormal tachycardia is called
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT), also known as Paroxysmal
Atrial Tachycardia (PAT). This fast heart rate starts in the
upper heart chambers (atria) or the upper part of the
heart’s electrical conduction system.
The older child who develops SVT or PAT will notice that
his/her heart is beating fast. This tachycardia often starts
spontaneously while the child is at rest, or may happen
during activity. The child may complain of chest pains,
stomach upset, or feeling weak and tired.
Some children learn ways to return the heart to its normal
rate and rhythm. One way is to strain by closing the mouth
and nose while trying to breathe out. Another method is to
drink very cold liquids. Treatment using medications is
usually not recommended unless the SVT or PAT occurs often,
lasts a long time, or causes symptoms such as dizziness.
Also, the benefits of medications should outweigh any
possible side effects from the medications. Treatment
choices should be discussed with your child’s cardiologist
(heart doctor).
REMEMBER: SVT may be uncomfortable and frightening, but it
is NOT DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH!
|
