What are the reasons for the increase in heart rate in children and the treatment?
The heart rate refers to the number of heart beats per minute, the heart rate in children may vary according to their age, and usually the heart rate in young children is higher than in older children, but an increase in heart rate may indicate the existence of a health problem, so we will find out On causes increased heart rate in childrenSymptoms, and treatment methods.
Normal heart rate in children
A child’s heart rate is different from an adult’s, and the average heart rate of children is 60 beats per minute at rest, and can reach 220 during activity.
Babies’ heart rates are also higher than older children’s, and the average heart rate of children depends on their age group. And it is as follows:
- 3 to 4 years: between 80 and 120 beats per minute.
- 5 to 6: between 75 and 115 beats per minute.
- 7 to 9 years: between 70 and 110 beats per minute.
- 10 years and older: between 60 and 100 beats per minute. (2) (3)
More: What is the difference between normal and abnormal heartbeats?
How to measure a child’s heart rate
Taking a child’s heart rate isn’t usually necessary, but it’s a good skill to learn, especially if you notice an increased heart rate. palpitations The child is normal. Here are the steps for measuring heart rate in children:
- Knowing the pulse points, or the places where the artery is close to the skin, which includes the neck and wrist, are the most common places to measure the pulse.
- Let the child rest for at least 10 minutes before taking the pulse.
- Ask the child to reach out with the palm facing up.
- Put your fingers and middle fingers together on your wrist and make sure you can feel the heartbeat.
- Use a watch or timer to count the beats, counting the number of beats in 15 seconds.
To get the pulse, the number of beats recorded in 15 seconds is multiplied by 4, for example, if the number of beats is 20 in 15 seconds, the pulse per minute will be 100. (2) (3)
Symptoms of increased heart rate in children
Symptoms include High heart rate in children the following:
- The child complains of a fast pulse.
- The child has chest pains.
- Suddenly the child has difficulty breathing.
- The child feels dizzy and tired.
- Lips or skin suddenly turn pale gray or blue. (1) (2)
Also read: Things that affect the normal heartbeats
causes increased heart rate in children
As mentioned, the effort is the most important Causes sudden increased heart rate in childrenThis is normal and temporary, but if it persists, it may indicate a health problem. The main reasons include:
- TachycardiaThere is more than one type of tachycardia, mainly:
- Sinus tachycardiaThis is a permanent increase in the child’s heart rate, and is a common condition in children, and often does not require treatment, and it can appear with fever or physical activity.
- Supraventricular tachycardiaSupraventricular tachycardia is one of the most common causes the heart rate to increase without effort In children, it does not cause life-threatening problems in most children and adolescents, and it does not prevent children from leading a normal life, but if the problem recurs, the doctor may prescribe medication to control it.
- Ventricular tachycardia: Another reason than causes increased heart rate in childrenThis is a condition in which the child’s heart rate increases through the heart chambers, and although it is rare, this type may be dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening in children.
- Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome: m Causes increased heart rate and shortness of breath in childrenIt is caused by an extra pathway in the heart’s electrical system, causing palpitations, dizziness and difficulty breathing.
- Long QT syndrome: This is a disorder in the electrical system of the heart, and causes a significant increase in heart rate, and this is a genetic condition that can accompany a child throughout his life, and increases when he feels stressed, or makes an effort, and the child may not suffer from symptoms, while some feel pain and fatigue in the chest.
- Premature ventricular contractions: Premature ventricular contractions can be from Causes of arrhythmias in childrenIt is common in children with no known cause and usually resolves without treatment (1) (2)
Also read: Causes of sudden increased heart rate
My daughter can’t focus
Additional factors for increased heart rate in children
Some other medical conditions may be m Causes a sudden increase in heart rate in childrenincluding:
- Obesity: Obesity is one of the causes of an increased heart rate when climbing stairs or doing any activity, because the child feels tired from the slightest effort.
- Diabetes: Diabetes increases the chance of developing an irregular heartbeat.
- Sepsis: Sepsis can also be a cause of increased heart rate in children.
- Sleep apnea: one of the causes of increased heart rate during sleep.
- Heart surgeries.
- Taking some medicines that affect the heart.
- Imbalance of certain elements in the body, such as potassium. (1) (2)
Read more: Risks of potassium deficiency
Treatment of increased heart rate in children
He approves Treatment of increased heart rate in children about the reason for its occurrence, including the following:
- Take some medication that helps relieve the problem that is causing the fast heart rate.
- Use of a heart catheter.
- to use pacemakers.
Some cases require surgery to help reduce the child’s heart rate.
Dealing with increased heart rate in children
Hard Treatment of increased heart rate in children In some cases, the child must be helped to live with the problem, through the following procedures:
- Take the child for regular heart checkups.
- Constantly monitor the child’s condition and pay attention to the symptoms he experiences.
- Check the child’s heart rate regularly according to the doctor’s instructions.
- The child must follow a healthy diet low in fat and cholesterol to maintain a healthy heart.
- Encourage the child to perform physical activity that is suitable for him according to his health condition, since a lot of effort may affect the heart.
- Taking the medicines prescribed by the doctor regularly in the prescribed doses. (1) (2)
For more: Treating a fast heart rate at home
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