How to Treat Arrhythmia in Children
Disease description:
My child is ten years old and often tells me that his/her heart feels uncomfortable. After visiting the hospital, the doctor diagnosed arrhythmia. I would like to consult with a physician about how to treat arrhythmia in children.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Arrhythmia in children, which refers to an abnormal heart rhythm, may manifest as a heartbeat that is too fast, too slow, or irregular. Treatment for pediatric arrhythmia must be tailored to the individual patient's condition. The following are some common treatment approaches:
1. Lifestyle modifications: For mild arrhythmia, improving daily habits—such as ensuring adequate sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding excessive fatigue, and limiting intake of stimulants like coffee and chocolate—may help alleviate symptoms.
2. General management: If the arrhythmia is caused by physiological factors, such as excessive emotional stress or after strenuous exercise, special treatment is usually not required. In such cases, it is recommended that the child rest appropriately, avoid intense physical activity, and maintain a positive mental state.
3. Medication: For specific types of arrhythmia, doctors may prescribe anti-arrhythmic drugs, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, to regulate heart rate and rhythm.
4. Surgical intervention: For other or more severe cases, procedures such as cardiac catheter ablation, pacemaker implantation, or cardiac surgery may be required to correct structural heart problems or eliminate abnormal electrical activity.
