Pay attention to heart palpitations in children

Heart palpitations, often thought of as an adult issue, are also among the health problems encountered in childhood. It has been noted that this condition is more frequently observed after the age of five, when children are more self-aware, and during school age, often accompanied by exam stress.

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Pay attention to heart palpitations in children

Explaining that the source of palpitations can be exam stress but may also point to more serious underlying issues, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Pamukçu pointed out that one should consult a specialist without delay, especially when symptoms such as sudden onset and cessation, accompanied by nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, chest pain, or fatigue, are observed.

"If palpitations in children start and end suddenly, and are accompanied by complaints of nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, chest pain, fatigue, and fainting, it should not be forgotten that the patient may have a serious rhythm disorder," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pamukçu, continuing her words as follows:

"In these patients, fainting during sleep, swimming, or due to sudden/unexpected noises or exercise is noteworthy. There is also a high probability of a life-threatening rhythm disorder in patients with a family history of sudden death before the age of 35."

Stating that complaints increase after the age of five, when children are more self-aware, and during school age due to exam stress, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özge Pamukçu noted that this situation experienced by children does not always indicate heart disease, explaining: "We may feel our heartbeats more intensely during anxiety, stress, anger, excitement, sadness, feverish conditions, and exercise.

These situations are considered physiological or normal. Outside of these situations, if the child says that their heart is beating faster, stronger, or more irregularly than usual, we recommend that they definitely consult a pediatric cardiologist."

'CAFFEINE TRIGGERS PALPITATIONS'

Apart from heart disease, palpitations can develop due to fever during infections, anemia, and overactive thyroid glands. Reminding that some asthma, hypertension, flu, depression, and rhythm-regulating medications can also cause palpitations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akay provided the following information:

"Some foods and drinks that contain large amounts of caffeine, such as tea, coffee, chocolate, cola, and energy drinks, trigger palpitations. Fever and anemia are also important factors that increase palpitations. Furthermore, a child being overly anxious can also increase palpitations. In this case, it is beneficial to seek psychological support."

News Source: 12punto