Arrhythmias

If your child has a slow, fast or irregular heartbeat, we provide expert evaluation and a full range of treatments. Our electrophysiology team helps your child’s heart and provides guidance to help you make informed choices about their care.

Learn more about our electrophysiology program.

What are arrhythmias?

Arrhythmias are abnormalities in the typical rhythm of your heartbeat. There are several types of arrhythmias – the heart might beat too quickly, too slowly or in an irregular pattern.

Arrhythmias in children can range from a bothersome sensation to a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. No matter what type of arrhythmia your child experiences, our team provides needed guidance and treatment.

What causes arrhythmias?

Much like the power lines that connect your home to the energy grid, the heart runs on a complex network of pathways that conduct electricity. These networks send signals from the top chambers of the heart (atria) to the bottom chambers (ventricles), signaling them to squeeze and pump.

When some of the “power lines” in the network go down or misfire, the heart might receive too many or not all of the necessary signals. The top and bottom chambers may pump at different paces, resulting in a heart rhythm that’s too slow, too fast or unpredictable.

Arrhythmia symptoms

Symptoms of arrhythmias may include:

• Heartbeats that are slow, fast or irregular
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fluttering sensations
• Fatigue
• Paleness
• Sweatiness
• Fainting

Types of arrhythmia in children

Several types of arrhythmias can change the way the heart beats:

Bradycardia

Bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rhythm. Variations of bradycardia include:

• Sinus bradycardia: A normal decrease in heart rhythm, occurring when very calm and relaxed, asleep or in athletes
• Sinus node dysfunction: The sinus node, the heart’s natural “pacemaker” does not function properly
• Heart block: Interference with signals that are sent from the top of the heart (atria) to the bottom of the heart (ventricle) resulting in a slow heartbeat

Long QT syndrome (LQTS)

An abnormal ECG and/or a fast, chaotic heartbeat are some of the defining characteristics of long QT syndrome. Children with LQTS can inherit it from a parent, although not always. The condition is rare, and while many children don’t experience symptoms, some may have fainting spells or seizures and would benefit from treatment and close monitoring. Learn more about our cardiovascular genetics program.

Premature contractions

Premature atrial contraction (PAC) and premature ventricular contraction (PVC) are irregular beats from either the upper or lower chambers of the heart. Isolated ones are typically no cause for worry, but your child should see one of our experts to check for underlying concerns.

Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a faster than normal heart rhythm. This type of arrhythmia has a few variations, including:

• Sinus tachycardia: A normal increase in heart rate that results from emotions, exercise, dehydration or fever
• Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), paroxysmal tachycardia (PAT) and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT): A rapid heart rhythm that start in the upper chambers of the heart, and which may need treatment
• Ventricular tachycardia (VT): Fast rhythm of the heart’s lower chambers that requires immediate treatment, since it’s a possible sign of a serious heart condition

Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome

Children born with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome have an extra electrical pathway between the heart’s upper and lower chambers. The path allows a short circuit, sending electrical signals to the bottom chambers too quickly.

WPW syndrome can lead to a sudden onset of a serious rapid heart rhythm. We offer medications and procedures that can help your child’s heart rhythm return to normal.

Arrhythmia diagnosis

To diagnose arrhythmias, we start by speaking with you about your child’s symptoms and medical history. We may also request diagnostic tests such as:

• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram
• Electrophysiologic study (EPS)
• Holter monitoring
• Event monitoring
• Tilt table test
• Implantable loop recorders

Pediatric arrhythmia treatment at Advocate Children’s Hospital

Our recommended pediatric arrhythmia treatment plan depends on your child’s symptoms and the nature of the arrhythmia. Some examples of treatment include:

• Observation: We monitor your child over time to see if treatment is needed.
• Medication: We prescribe medications to stabilize irregular heart rhythms.
• Radiofrequency ablation: We use a minimally invasive procedure to remove the tissue causing problems with the heart’s electrical signals.
• Pacemaker: We place a small device inside the chest or abdomen to help your child's heart beat regularly. Learn more about our pacemaker program.
• Defibrillator: We place a small device in the chest or abdomen that sends electrical signals to stop erratic heart rhythms.
• Surgery: We perform heart surgery that helps correct the electrical pathways in the heart and improve blood flow.