Sinus arrhythmia in a child

Sinus arrhythmia is a disturbance in the heart rhythm, when the heart beats at irregular intervals. This condition can develop for various reasons - from physiological features to exacerbation of serious heart diseases. Sinus arrhythmia in children requires special attention, because at an early age it is still possible to prevent the development of adverse complications.

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Causes of sinus arrhythmia in a child

The causes of arrhythmia in childhood may be the following:

• hereditary predisposition transmitted genetically;
• congenital or acquired heart defect;
• bulging or incomplete closure of the mitral valve (so-called prolapse);
• inflammatory processes in the heart tissue (inflammation of the myocardium or endocardium);
• pathologies of other organs;
• intoxication;
• neoplasms in the heart area;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• disorders of intrauterine development of the baby;
• severe infections, such as pneumonia, acute respiratory viral infections, intestinal infectious diseases;
• dehydration.

There is also a term "respiratory sinus arrhythmia", which is considered physiological and does not pose any danger to the baby. Such arrhythmia can appear as a reaction to a sharp change in the respiratory rate, for example, when holding or accelerating breathing.

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Symptoms of sinus arrhythmia in a child

Heart rhythm disturbances are not always accompanied by any symptoms. It often happens that the baby does not show any anxiety or complaints, but during a medical examination the doctor discovers heart "failures".

However, in rare cases, changes in heart rhythm do affect general well-being, and even quite noticeably. Of course, at an early age, a child is not yet able to express his complaints. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the baby and pay attention to signs of possible heart problems.

The following signs may indicate the occurrence of sinus arrhythmia:

• causeless apathy, or, on the contrary, anxiety;
• the appearance of shortness of breath even with minor physical exertion or even in a calm state;
• pale skin, blue lips and nasolabial triangle, toes;
• loss of appetite;
• restless, intermittent sleep;
• underweight;
• constant feeling of fatigue;
• periodically increased sweating.

At an older age, children may experience dizziness and fainting, especially after physical exertion.

Sinus arrhythmia in children is divided into several degrees of severity.

• Expressed is more common in older age, at 10-12 years. Such a disorder is usually accompanied by pronounced clinical symptoms, and can also be combined with other heart pathologies, for example, with rheumatism or cardiosclerosis. Particularly dangerous is the combination of heart rhythm disturbance with bradycardia (slow heartbeat), which is often observed in neurosis. This condition requires immediate treatment, since there is a high probability of the disease becoming chronic.
• Moderate most often affects children under 6 years of age. Clinical manifestations of such pathology are weak or absent altogether. The disease is detected only during examination by a cardiologist or during an ECG.
• Mild is most often functional and does not require special treatment. Mild form does not affect well-being and in most cases is associated with vegetative imbalance or immaturity of the baby's nervous system. As the baby develops, this form of arrhythmia goes away on its own without any negative consequences.

Diagnosis of sinus arrhythmia in a child

The diagnosis of sinus arrhythmia in childhood is based on the following studies:

• assessment of the child’s complaints, collection of the medical history (when a heart rhythm disorder was first suspected, how it was treated, how the clinical picture changed during treatment);
• assessment of the life history (the degree of maturity of the baby, weight gain, previous illnesses and interventions, living and studying conditions, heredity);
• general examination, pulse assessment, listening to the heartbeat, tapping the chest area;
• general and biochemical blood and urine tests, hormonal background analysis;
• electrocardiogram;
• Holter monitoring – monitoring the state of the ECG throughout the day, when the slightest rhythm disturbances are recorded depending on physical activity, food consumption, time of day, etc.;
• echocardiography – ultrasound examination of the heart.

In addition, a consultation with a pediatric cardiologist or rheumatologist may be necessary.

Sinus arrhythmia in a child on the ECG looks like this:

• The pacemaker is represented by the sinus node, and each ventricular QRS complex is preceded by a P wave. This indicates that the amplitude of electrical excitation that provokes contraction of the heart muscle first affects the atria, and then the ventricles - this is the normal mode of operation of the heart.

The duration of the PQ interval indicates the duration of the impulse conduction "atrium-ventricle". There should be no deviations here on the cardiogram with sinus arrhythmia. There may be changes in the RR interval - a decrease in tachycardia or an extension in bradycardia. In children diagnosed with sinus arrhythmia, this interval is unstable.

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Treatment of sinus arrhythmia in a child

Treatment for arrhythmia may vary, but in any case, before prescribing treatment, you should find the cause of the rhythm disturbance by visiting a doctor.

In case of functional form of heart rhythm disorder, drug therapy is not used. The baby's daily routine is adjusted. Particular attention is paid to adequate nutrition, sufficient rest, and dosed physical activity.

For moderate arrhythmia, sedatives (valerian, motherwort tincture, Corvalol) or tranquilizers (Mezapam, Elenium) can be used.

In cases of severe arrhythmia, one of two treatment methods is most often used:

• medicinal;
• surgical.

The first step in therapy is to eliminate the influence of the cause of arrhythmia on the child's body. The following stages are used for this:

• treatment of concomitant provoking pathology;
• impact on existing chronic infection;
• discontinuation of medications that may affect the rhythm disturbance.

Medicines for sinus arrhythmia in a child are prescribed in combination, using the following groups of medications:

• antiarrhythmic medications (for example, Novocainamide, Obzidan, Verapamil) – stabilize the normal rhythm of the heart;
• drugs that have a positive effect on metabolic processes in cardiac tissue structures (Riboxin, Cocarboxylase);
• drugs that normalize electrolyte balance (Asparkam, Panangin, Potassium orotate).

If drug therapy does not bring the expected result, then in case of severe arrhythmia, surgical intervention may be prescribed using minimally invasive methods:

• radiofrequency catheter ablation, cryoablation;
• placement of a pacemaker.

In addition, you can expect a positive effect from the following procedures:

• acupuncture (use of special needles on sensitive points on the surface of the body);
• physiotherapy (exposure to thermal or magnetic procedures, electrical impulses);
• psychotherapy (for older children).

Treatment of sinus arrhythmia in a child with folk remedies

Herbal preparations can help in treating rhythm disturbances. They can be prepared at home, but here too it is recommended to consult a doctor first.

1. The following mixture is considered to be a very useful remedy that improves blood composition and heart function: 200 g dried apricots, 100 g raisins, 100 g walnut kernels, lemon, honey. The solid ingredients should be ground in a meat grinder and mixed with honey, stored in the refrigerator. Take on an empty stomach from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons (depending on age).
2. It is recommended to drink pear and grape juice, and also add pieces of fruit to porridge or desserts.
3. It is useful to inhale a mixture of the following essential oils: clove, lemon balm, mint, sage, eucalyptus, cinnamon, lavender, anise, fennel, nutmeg, pine needles, thyme.
4. It is also no less useful to drink lemon balm tea for at least 2 weeks.
5. You can brew 2 teaspoons of crushed calendula in 400 ml of hot water, leave for 1 hour, filter and take 1 tablespoon three times a day.
6. In case of heart rhythm disturbances associated with instability of the nervous system, it is recommended to prepare an infusion of valerian root. 1 tablespoon of crushed root should be poured with 200 ml of hot boiled water and infused overnight under the lid. Drink 1 teaspoon three times a day.
7. Rosehip tea has an excellent effect, especially if you add honey to it (if you are not allergic).
8. You can prepare the following collection: 1 teaspoon of valerian rhizome, 1 teaspoon of motherwort herb, ½ teaspoon of yarrow and the same amount of anise fruits should be steamed in 200-250 ml of boiling water. Give the infusion to the baby 1 tablespoon up to 3 times a day.
9. Adding fresh celery and greens (dill, parsley) to salads helps with irregular heart rhythms.
10. For small children, it is recommended to add valerian root infusion to the bath.

Prevention of sinus arrhythmia in a child

Prevention of sinus rhythm disturbances should include the following measures:

• Nutrition should be moderate, without overeating (especially before bedtime). Older children are recommended to consume mainly plant foods - greens, fruit and vegetable dishes, freshly squeezed juices;
• Children also need adequate rest, so doctors strongly advise the child to avoid overwork, but do not forget about measured physical activity. Light exercise and swimming will be beneficial;
• it is necessary to walk with the baby in the fresh air more often, regardless of the time of year;
• Parents need to monitor the state of the baby’s nervous system, and avoid stress, fear, hysteria, and anxiety in every possible way;
• You should not give your child any medications on your own;
• If there are any problems in the heart area, you should immediately show the child to a doctor.

If you follow these rather banal, at first glance, tips, then no problems with the heart are expected, and your child will be healthy.

Prognosis of sinus arrhythmia in a child

Heart rhythm disturbances affect the overall performance of the heart muscle, which in turn can affect the reduction in the volume of blood pumped. The bloodstream carries oxygen and nutrients to all organs, including the brain, so the entire body suffers from a lack of nutrients. As a result, symptoms such as impaired consciousness, headaches, and dizziness can develop. In addition, impaired coronary circulation can eventually lead to the development of cardiac insufficiency.

The sooner treatment is started, the less pronounced the threat of adverse consequences for the baby’s health will be.

Sinus arrhythmia in a child can last for more than one year: it is important to recognize it and contact a specialist in a timely manner. The doctor will explain whether there is a danger to the baby, whether this disorder is physiological or requires treatment. Remember that the initial stage of rhythm disturbance is treated much easier and faster than an advanced form of the disease.