In children, the heart rate is much higher than in an adult. This is due to the high oxygen demand of the body and the rapid metabolic rate. In addition, the kids are constantly in motion. But sometimes the heart rate begins to exceed the norm. And after the examination, a sinus tachycardia in a child is diagnosed. What is this pathology and how to treat it?
Pathology characteristic
Let's look at what a sinus tachycardia in a child is. As mentioned above, this disease is associated with an increase in the frequency of contractions of the heart. The pulse can significantly exceed the age norm. Such a rhythm is formed from the sinus node, which is a pulse generator that determines the frequency of contractions. A wave of excitement appears in it. It extends to the entire heart muscle and contributes to its synchronous functioning.
Sinus tachycardia in a child can be prolonged or transient (situational).
Increased heart rate is, as a rule, the body's response to the influence of internal and external factors:
- mental stress;
- physical exercise;
- emotions
- prolonged hypoxia;
- pathology of the heart, lungs.
Causes of occurrence
Initially, it should be said that sinus tachycardia in a child of 6 years and at a young age is often considered the norm. Such children do not require any treatment. These violations are periodic. Over time, they pass by themselves. An increase in heart rate to 100-160 beats per minute, resulting from stress, physical exertion, hyperthermia, prolonged stay in a stuffy room, is not a sign of pathology. But if this condition is accompanied by additional symptoms (we will talk about it below), then the baby will need treatment by professionals. And special attention should be paid to pathology in the event that a violation is found in a perfectly healthy crumb, who was in a calm state.
What can lead to the development of such a violation? Doctors say that sinus tachycardia appears, as a rule, as a result of the following reasons:
- heart failure (congenital);
- myocarditis;
- anemia or hypoglycemia;
- damage to the central nervous system.
At an older age, the sources of disease in children can be:
- unevenly developing organs, leading to a malfunction;
- stressful situations;
- diseases of the cardiovascular and nervous systems;
- too high physical activity;
- disruption of the thyroid gland.
Characteristic symptoms
To determine which pulse is considered a symptom of tachycardia, you should familiarize yourself with age norms. Doctors give the following indicators:
- infants up to 5 months - 140-160;
- children of 6 months - 130-135;
- crumbs of 1 year - 120-125;
- children 2 years old - 110-115;
- babies in 3-4 years - 105-110;
- guys 5-7 years old - 100-105;
- schoolchildren of 8-9 years old - 90-100;
- children 10-12 years old - 80-85;
- adolescents from 12 years old - 70-75.
Pathology is diagnosed if the pulse rate exceeds the specified age norms by 10-60%. Thus, a sinus tachycardia in a child of 1 year is suspected with indicators above 140 strokes.
However, the development of pathology is indicated not only by the number of heart contractions. Additional symptoms that characterize the ailment are:
- pain in the area of the heart;
- sudden dizziness
- shortness of breath for no reason;
- weakness;
- darkening in the eyes with sudden movements;
- fainting state.
Thus, pronounced sinus tachycardia in a child is manifested.
Diagnostic Methods
To identify this disease, the doctor prescribes special examinations:
- Electrocardiogram. Sinus tachycardia in children on the ECG is quite clearly manifested. The results show a violation of the frequency and intensity of heart contractions. The teeth on the cardiogram, as well as the intervals between them, allow the doctor to quickly make a diagnosis.
- Ultrasound The study assesses the functioning of the heart and the condition of the valves.
- A blood test for the number of thyroid hormones gives an idea of the possible causes of tachycardia.
- MRI can detect pathologies of the heart that provoke diseases.
- Electrocardiogram for Holter. Such a study makes it possible to fix the functioning of the heart for 1 day. With the help of this examination, the work of the body under various loads is determined.
- Electrophysiological study allows you to study the mechanisms of pathology by the method of distribution of momentum throughout the heart.
Treatment methods
Methods of combating pathology are rather ambiguous. If the symptoms of tachycardia are absent, and the baby feels well, then he can well do without medications. However, such children are advised to systematically undergo repeated examinations and visit a cardiologist. If sinus tachycardia of the heart in a child proceeds with unpleasant symptoms, then drug therapy is prescribed. At the same time, children are recommended to take drugs that are designed mainly for adults. That is why doctors prescribe them extremely carefully, choosing the right dosages and treatment regimens.
As a rule, therapy consists of the following groups of drugs:
- sedatives;
- medicines involved in hematopoiesis;
- vitamin complexes;
- cardiac glycosides (if the problem is precisely in the heart).
It is extremely dangerous and contraindicated to experiment with medications on your own! With this pathology, the medicine should be prescribed exclusively by a cardiologist. With a disease provoked by stressful situations, decoctions of soothing herbs are prescribed: motherwort, valerian, mint.
Relief of an attack
Parents should be prepared for the fact that at any time the child may suddenly manifest negative symptoms. If an attack occurs, proceed as follows:
- Be sure to provide air access. Unfasten the collar, bring or bring the baby to the window.
- Put a cool towel on your forehead.
- Ask your child to take a deep breath and hold his breath for a few seconds. This simple procedure allows you to lower your heart rate.
If these actions were not enough, and the baby's condition does not improve, then call a doctor immediately.
Preventive actions
To avoid the occurrence of a disease such as sinus tachycardia in a child, carefully monitor the health of the crumbs.
It is very important to provide the following prophylaxis:
- The child should rest normally.
- It is necessary to provide good nutrition.
- It is important to protect your baby from stress.
- Provide daily outdoor activities.
- Properly dose physical activity, especially if the child is involved in sports or is a fan of outdoor games.
- Parents need to eliminate all bad habits. After all, they very negatively affect the health of babies.
Sinus tachycardia is not considered a serious illness. However, monitoring the condition of the child is very important. And if the doctor prescribed medications, then it is necessary to observe such therapy in full.