Heart Rhythm Problems

Children may not be aware of a fluttering or racing heart, but parents can watch for other signs of heart rhythm problems, like dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Devyani Chowdhury, MD, MHA, and the caring team at Cardiology Care for Children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, specialize in finding the root cause of your child’s symptoms, creating a personalized treatment plan, and supporting your family as you deal with your child’s challenges. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request one online today.

What is a heart rhythm problem?

A heart rhythm problem, called cardiac arrhythmia, occurs when the heartbeat is irregular or faster or slower than normal.

The heart has a natural pacemaker, which sends the electrical signals that trigger each heartbeat. The electrical signal travels through your heart, following a pathway that makes the muscles contract in the exact order and timing needed to push blood through your heart.

When a problem occurs in the electrical system, your child develops a heart rhythm problem.

What heart rhythm problems do children develop?

The skilled team at Cardiology Care for Children treats the full range of heart rhythm problems. A few examples include:

Long QT syndrome (LQTS)

LQTS causes fast, chaotic heartbeats when the electrical system in the lower two chambers takes too long to recharge between beats.

Heart block

Heart block occurs when the electrical signals are partially or completely blocked. As a result, your child’s heart beats too slowly or skips beats.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

SVT causes a fast heartbeat when electrical signals in the heart’s upper chambers fail to follow the normal pathway.

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

WPW is a rare congenital arrhythmia in which an extra electrical pathway results in a fast heartbeat.

What are the symptoms of a heart rhythm problem?

Children may not notice the changes in their heartbeat, but they may experience palpitations (a pounding heart, fluttering in their chest, or skipping a beat).

They may also have:

• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Lightheadedness
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea

Without treatment, some heart rhythm problems can cause serious complications, ranging from blood clots to sudden cardiac arrest.

How are heart rhythm problems treated?

After reviewing your child’s medical history and completing a physical exam, your provider at Cardiology Care for Children runs additional diagnostic testing. For example, your child may need an electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress test, or electrophysical studies.

They create a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Medications
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Pacemaker
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
• Electrical cardioversion

The team values each patient and family, taking the time to teach parents about their child’s condition, including how to check a heart rate and support their child’s heart and overall health. The team can also help you find community resources if needed.

If you have concerns about your child’s symptoms or heart, don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Call Cardiology Care for Children or request an appointment online today.