Heart Conditions in Children - Arrhythmias

What is an arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia (also called dysrhythmia) is an abnormal rhythm of the heart, which can cause the heart to pump less effectively.

Arrhythmias can cause problems with contractions of the heart chambers by:

  • not allowing the chambers to fill with an adequate amount of blood, because an electrical signal is causing the heart to pump too fast.
  • not allowing a sufficient amount of blood to be pumped out to the body, because an electrical signal is causing the heart to pump too slowly or too irregularly.

In any of these situations, the heart may not be able to pump an adequate amount of blood to the body with each beat due to the arrhythmia's effects on the heart rate. The effects on the body are often the same, whether the heartbeat is too fast, too slow, or too irregular.

What are the symptoms of arrhythmia?

The following are the most common symptoms of arrhythmia. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • weakness
  • fatigue
  • palpitations
  • low blood pressure
  • dizziness
  • fainting

The symptoms of arrhythmias may resemble other medical conditions or heart problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

Another indication of an arrhythmia is a change in the electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) pattern. However, EKG changes are not seen unless an EKG test is performed or a child is being monitored in the hospital or other facility. Because symptoms such as those listed above may indicate the presence of an arrhythmia, an EKG is commonly done on children with one or more of the symptoms.

Anatomy of the heart, view of the electrical system
Click Image to Enlarge

The heart's electrical system:

The heart is, in the simplest terms, a pump made up of muscle tissue. Like all pumps, the heart requires a source of energy in order to function. The heart's pumping action comes from an intrinsic electrical conduction system.

How does the heart beat?

An electrical stimulus is generated by the sinus node (also called the sinoatrial node, or SA node), which is a small mass of specialized tissue located in the right atrium (right upper chamber) of the heart. The sinus node generates an electrical stimulus periodically (60-190 times per minute, depending on the age of the child and his/her activity level). This electrical stimulus travels down through the conduction pathways (similar to the way electricity flows through power lines from the power plant to your house) and causes the heart's lower chambers to contract and pump out blood. The right and left atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) are stimulated first and contract a short period of time before the right and left ventricles (the two lower chambers of the heart).

The electrical impulse travels from the sinus node to the atrioventricular (AV) node, where impulses are slowed down for a very short period, then continues down the conduction pathway via the bundle of His into the ventricles. The bundle of His divides into right and left pathways to provide electrical stimulation to both ventricles.

Normally, as the electrical impulse moves through the heart, the heart contracts about 60 to 100 times a minute. Each contraction of the ventricles represents one heartbeat. The atria contract a fraction of a second before the ventricles so their blood empties into the ventricles before the ventricles contract.

Under some conditions, almost all heart tissue is capable of starting a heartbeat, or becoming the "pacemaker," just like the sinus node. An arrhythmia may occur when:

  • the heart's natural pacemaker (the sinus node) develops an abnormal rate or rhythm.
  • the normal conduction pathway is interrupted.
  • another part of the heart takes over as pacemaker.

What is an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

The electrical activity of the heart is measured by an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). By placing electrodes at specific locations on the body (chest, arms, and legs), a graphic representation, or tracing, of the electrical activity can be obtained. Changes in an ECG from the normal tracing can indicate arrhythmias, as well as other heart-related conditions.

What does an ECG mean?

Almost everyone knows what a basic ECG tracing looks like. But what does it mean?

Illustration of a basic EKG tracing
Click Image to Enlarge
  • The first little upward notch of the ECG tracing is called the "P wave." The P wave indicates that the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) are electrically stimulated to pump blood to the ventricles.
  • The next part of the tracing is a short downward section connected to a tall upward section. This next part is called the "QRS complex." This part indicates that the ventricles (the two lower chambers of the heart) are electrically stimulated to pump out blood to the body.
  • The next short flat segment is called the "ST segment." The ST segment indicates the amount of time from the end of the contraction of the ventricles to the beginning of the "T wave".
  • The next upward curve is called the "T wave." The T wave indicates the recovery period of the ventricles.

When your child's physician studies your child's ECG, he/she looks at the size and length of each part of the EKG. Variations in size and length of the different parts of the tracing may be significant.

The tracing for each lead of a 12-lead ECG will look different, but will have the same basic components as described above. Each lead of the 12-lead ECG is "looking" at a specific part of the heart from different angles. Variations in a lead may indicate a problem with the part of the heart associated with that particular lead.

What are the different types of arrhythmias?

An atrial arrhythmia is an arrhythmia caused by abnormal function of the sinus node, or by the development of another atrial pacemaker within the heart tissue that takes over the function of the sinus node.

A ventricular arrhythmia is an arrhythmia caused by abnormal function of the sinus node, an interruption in the electrical conduction pathways, or the development of another area within the heart tissue that takes over the function of the sinus node.

Arrhythmias can also be classified as slow (bradyarrhythmia) or fast (tachyarrhythmia). "Brady-" means slow, while "tachy-" means fast.

Listed below are some of the more common arrhythmias:

Atrial Arrhythmias

Ventricular Arrhythmias
sinus arrhythmia - a condition in which the heart rate varies with breathing. Sinus arrhythmia is commonly found in children; adults may often have it as well. This is usually a benign condition - there may be no symptoms or problems associated with sinus arrhythmias. premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) - a condition in which an electrical signal originates in the ventricles and causes the ventricles to contract before receiving the electrical signal from the atria. PVCs are not uncommon and often do not cause symptoms or problems. However, if the frequency of the PVCs increases to several per minute, symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or palpitations may be experienced.
sinus tachycardia - a condition in which the heart rate is faster than normal for the child's age because the sinus node is sending out electrical impulses at a rate faster than usual. This condition may cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, or palpitations if the heart rate becomes too fast to pump an adequate supply of blood to the body. Sinus tachycardia is often temporary, occurring when the body is under stress from exercise, strong emotions, fever, or dehydration, to name a few causes. Once the stress is removed, the heart rate will usually return to its usual rate. ventricular tachycardia (VT) - a condition in which an electrical signal is sent from the ventricles at a very fast but even rate. If the heart rate is sustained at a high rate, symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or palpitations may be experienced.
sick sinus syndrome - a condition in which the sinus node sends out electrical signals either too slowly or too fast. There may be alternation between too-fast and too-slow rates. This condition may cause symptoms if the rate becomes too slow or too fast for the body to tolerate. ventricular fibrillation (VF) - a condition in which an electrical signal is sent from the ventricles at a very fast and erratic rate. As a result, the ventricles are unable to fill with blood and pump it out, thus causing a very low blood pressure and symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, fainting, or loss of consciousness.
premature supraventricular contractions or premature atrial contractions (PAC) - a condition in which the sinus node or another pacemaker site above the ventricles sends out an electrical signal early. The ventricles are unable to respond to this signal because they are still in the contraction phase.
supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT) - a condition in which the heart rate speeds up due to a series of early beats from the sinus node or another pacemaker site above the ventricles. PAT usually begins and ends rapidly, occurring in repeated periods. This condition can cause symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or palpitations if the heart rate becomes too fast.
atrial flutter - a condition in which the electrical signals come from the atria at a fast but even rate, thus causing the ventricles to contract faster and increase the heart rate. The heart rate maintains an even rate as it beats faster. When the signals from the atria are coming at a faster rate than the ventricles can respond to, the EKG pattern develops a signature "sawtooth" pattern, showing two or more P waves between each QRS complex. The number of P waves between each QRS complex is usually a constant number and is expressed as a ratio (i.e., a two-to-one atrial flutter means that two P waves are occurring between each QRS).
atrial fibrillation - a condition in which the electrical signals come from the atria at a very fast and erratic rate. The ventricles contract in an erratic manner because of the erratic signals coming from the atria.

The symptoms of various arrhythmias may resemble other medical conditions or heart problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

How are arrhythmias diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination of your child, there are several different types of procedures that may be used to diagnose arrhythmias. Some of these procedures include the following:

  • electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) - an electrocardiogram is a measurement of the electrical activity of the heart. By placing electrodes at specific locations on the body (chest, arms, and legs), a picture, or tracing, of the electrical activity can be obtained as the electrical activity is received and interpreted by an EKG machine. An EKG can indicate the presence of arrhythmias or other types of heart conditions. There are several variations of the EKG test, including the following:
    • resting EKG
      For this procedure, the clothing on the upper body is removed and small, sticky patches called electrodes are attached to the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes are connected to the EKG machine by wires. The EKG machine is then started and records the heart's electrical activity for a minute or so. The child is lying down during this EKG.
    • exercise EKG, or stress test
      The child is attached to the EKG machine as described above. However, rather than lying down, the child exercises by walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle while the EKG is recorded. This test is done to assess changes in the EKG during stress such as exercise.
    • signal-average EKG
      This procedure is done in the same manner as a resting EKG, except that the heart's electrical activity is recorded over a longer period of time, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Signal-average EKG is done when arrhythmia is suspected but not seen on a resting EKG. Signal average EKG has increased sensitivity to abnormal ventricular activity called "late potentials."
  • Holter monitor - an EKG recording done over a period of 24 or more hours. Three electrodes are attached to the child's chest and connected to a small, portable EKG recorder by lead wires. The child goes about his/her usual daily activities (except for activities such as taking a shower, swimming, or any activity causing an excessive amount of sweating which would cause the electrodes to become loose or fall off) during this procedure. There are two types of Holter monitoring, including the following:
    • continuous recording
      The EKG is recorded continuously during the entire testing period.
    • event monitor, or loop recording
      The EKG is recorded only when the patient starts the recording when symptoms are felt.

    Holter monitoring may be done when an arrhythmia is suspected but not seen on a resting or signal-average EKG. Arrhythmias may be short-lived in nature and not seen during the shorter recording times of the resting or signal-average EKG.

  • electrophysiologic study (EPS) - an invasive test in which a small, thin tube (catheter) is inserted through the groin or neck and passed into the heart. This gives the physician the capability of finding the site of the arrhythmia's origin within the heart tissue, thus determining how to best treat it.

Treatment for arrhythmias:

Specific treatment for arrhythmias will be determined by your child's physician based on:

  • your child's age, overall health, and medical history
  • extent of the condition
  • your child' s tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  • expectations for the course of the condition
  • your opinion or preference

Arrhythmias may be present but cause few, if any, problems. In this case, your child's physician may elect not to treat the arrhythmia. However, when the arrhythmia causes symptoms, there are several different options for treatment. Your child's physician will choose an arrhythmia treatment based on the type of arrhythmia, the severity of symptoms being experienced, and the presence of other conditions (i.e., diabetes, kidney failure, heart failure) which can affect the course of the treatment.

Treatments may include:

  • lifestyle modifications
    Factors such as stress, caffeine, or alcohol can cause arrhythmias. Your child's physician may order the elimination of caffeine, alcohol (teens and young adults), or any other substance believed to be causing the problem. If stress is suspected as a cause, your child's physician may recommend stress-reduction measures such as an exercise program or family therapy.
  • medication
    There are various types of medications which may be used to treat arrhythmias. If your child's physician chooses to use medication, the decision of which medication to use will be determined by the type of arrhythmia, other conditions which may be present, and other medications already being used by your child.
  • cardioversion
    In this procedure, a small, electrical shock is delivered to the heart through the chest to stop certain, very fast, arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, or sinus tachycardia. Your child is given medication to help him/her relax, and is then connected to an EKG monitor which is also connected to the cardioversion device. The small, electrical shock is delivered at a precise point during the EKG cycle.
  • ablation
    This is an invasive procedure done in the electrophysiology laboratory, and involves a small, thin tube (catheter) being inserted into the heart through a vessel in the groin or arm. The procedure is done in a manner similar to the electrophysiology studies (EPS) described above. Once the site of the arrhythmia has been determined by EPS, the catheter is moved to the site. By use of a technique such as radiofrequency ablation (very high frequency radio waves are applied to the site, heating the tissue until the site is destroyed) or cryoablation (an ultra-cold substance is applied to the site, freezing the tissue and destroying the site), the site of the arrhythmia may be destroyed.
  • pacemaker
    A permanent pacemaker is a small device that is implanted under the skin and sends electrical signals to start or regulate a slow heartbeat. A permanent pacemaker may be used to make the heart beat if the heart's natural pacemaker (the sinoatrial, or SA, node) is not functioning properly and has developed an abnormal heart rate or rhythm or if the electrical pathways are blocked. Pacemakers are typically used for slow arrhythmias such as sinus bradycardia, sick sinus syndrome, or heart block.

    In infants and young children, pacemakers are usually placed in the abdomen. The wires that connect the pacemaker to the heart are placed on the outside surface of the heart. This position is beneficial because the fat in the abdomen protects the pacemaker and pacemaker wires from injury that might occur during everyday childhood activities such as climbing and falling.

    School-aged children and adolescents may have the pacemaker placed in the shoulder area just under the collarbone. The pacemaker wires are often placed inside the superior vena cava, a large vein that connects to the right atrium, and then guided inside the heart.
  • implantable cardioverter defibrillator
    An implantable converter defibrillator (ICD) is a small device, similar to a pacemaker, that is implanted under the skin, often in the shoulder area just under the collarbone. An ICD senses the rate of the heartbeat. When the heart rate exceeds a rate programmed into the device, it delivers a small, electrical shock to the heart to slow the heart rate. Many newer ICDs can also function as a pacemaker by delivering an electrical signal to regulate a heart rate that is too slow. ICDs are typically used for fast arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation.
  • surgery
    Surgical treatment for arrhythmias is usually done only when all other appropriate options have failed. Surgical ablation is a major surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia. The chest is opened, exposing the heart. The site of the arrhythmia is located, then destroyed or removed in order to eliminate the arrhythmia.

Click here to view the
Online Resources of Heart Center