Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Waleed El-Guindy — Pediatric CardiologistQuick answer
Pediatric arrhythmias are heart rhythms that are faster, slower or more irregular than normal. Most are benign, but some need treatment. Diagnosis starts with an ECG, and may include a 24-hour Holter and an echocardiogram to confirm the heart is structurally normal.
Symptoms that need a check-up
- A feeling of racing or skipping heartbeats.
- Fainting or dizziness, especially with exercise.
- Chest pain.
- In infants: poor feeding, pallor or sudden fast breathing.
Common types
- Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).
- Extra beats (extrasystoles), usually benign.
- Bradycardia.
- Electrical syndromes such as WPW and Long QT.
FAQs about Pediatric Arrhythmias
Are palpitations normal in children?
Heart rate rises normally with play, fever or anxiety. Sudden palpitations without a reason, or with fainting or dizziness, should be checked.
Is fainting during sports dangerous?
Yes — fainting during exertion needs a full cardiac evaluation before returning to sport.