Sinus Tachycardia in Children

A child suffering from sinus tachycardia experiences a heart rate considered to be faster than the normal rate. Several things, including anxiety and exertion, can contribute to the onset of sinus tachycardia. In most cases, the condition is considered to be of little concern and disappears over time.

  1. Cause

    • Sinus tachycardia is commonly the result of some type of stress on the body. Common stresses that can trigger sinus tachycardia include anxiety, dehydration and exertion from exercise. The rapid heartbeat associated with sinus tachycardia can occur when the sinus node begins to emit rapid electrical impulses. The sinus node directly communicates with the heart and works to ensure it beats at the proper rate. Occasionally the sinus node falls out of sync with the heart, and an arrhythmia called sinus tachycardia can temporarily develop. This condition usually intensifies over time before it begins to dissipate.

    Symptoms

    • A rapid heartbeat is one of the most common signs of sinus tachycardia. Children suffering from sinus tachycardia may also experience dizziness and weakness. Heart palpitations (fluttering feeling in the chest) are a common symptom of sinus tachycardia. Palpitations occur when the heart rate increases to the point where the heart is struggling to pump enough blood for the body. Children with sinus tachycardia may also complain of fatigue. Some children affected by sinus tachycardia may not notice any symptoms at all.

    Diagnosis

    • Arrhythmias such as sinus tachycardia can be detected in a number of different ways. One of the most common diagnostic tools doctors rely on is an electrocardiogram (ECG). This device is used to monitor the heart's activity. Children undergoing an ECG may be asked to run on a treadmill to see how the heart responds to the stress. Holter monitors are also used by doctors to monitor the heart. Children wear a holter monitor throughout the course of the day. This allows the doctor to see how the heart functions under normal conditions for an extended period of time.

    Treatment

    • In many children, sinus tachycardia goes away on its own. Sinus tachycardia can also be caused by certain underlying disorders such as anemia or thyroid problems. When the underlying disorders are properly treated, the sinus tachycardia disappears and the child's heart rate returns to normal. In some situations, a medication may be prescribed by a doctor to treat this condition.

    Heart Rate

    • Determining if a child's heart beat is too fast can be difficult. Unlike adults---who are considered to have a rapid heartbeat if it exceeds 100 beats per minute---a child's heartbeat varies substantially from birth until adulthood. An infant typically has a heart rate between 123 and 159 beats per minute. An infant's heart rate increases during the first three weeks of her life and then decreases in slow increments until she reaches adulthood.

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