Tachycardia Arrhythmia

Important Information

Tachycardia arrhythmia is when the heart beats faster than normal. It is normal for the heart to beat faster with activity such as exercise or crying. The heart should return to a normal rate once a child has calmed down from an activity.  Most children can handle their heart beating faster for a short period of time.  Very long episodes of a fast heart rate can make it harder for the heart to pump blood. Some children need medicine to help the heart beat at a normal rate. If medicine is necessary, your child may be monitored in the hospital.

Symptoms of tachycardia arrhythmia can include: 

• Difficulty breathing  

• Becoming very tired

• Fluttering feeling in the chest from fast heart beats or palpitations

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Irritability

• Difficulty feeding and slower weight gain in infants

• Sweating in infants

Instructions for caring for a child with tachycardia arrhythmia

• Learn how to listen to your child’s heart rate. This is called auscultation. It is important to know what the heart rate sounds like in a normal rhythm so you can recognize when it is beating too fast. 

• Listen to your child’s heart rate 2 times a day and if your child has any symptoms of a tachycardia arrhythmia. 

• Give all medicine on time.

• Attend all appointments so that the healthcare team can assess your child.

• If your child is in tachycardia arrythmia, call the cardiology team. If your child is not feeling well or breathing well, go to the nearest emergency department. If you do not have quick access to an emergency department you should call 911. 

Reviewed 10/10/2024 by Natalie Bernard, MHL, BSN, RN