Sinus arrhythmia in the child

Sinus arrhythmia is called a failure in the heart rhythm, when the contractions of the heart do not occur through equal time intervals. This condition can develop for various reasons - from the characteristics of physiology to the exacerbation of serious heart diseases. Sinus arrhythmia in children requires special attention, because at an early age can still prevent the development of adverse complications.

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Causes of sinus arrhythmia in a child

The causes of arrhythmia in childhood can be as follows:

• hereditary predisposition, transmitted by genetic means;
• congenital or acquired heart disease;
• protrusion or incomplete closure of the mitral valve (so-called prolapse);
• inflammatory processes in the tissues of the heart (inflammation of the myocardium or endocardium);
• pathology of other organs;
• intoxication;
• neoplasms in the heart;
• disorders of the nervous system;
• violations of the baby's fetal development;
• infections with severe course, for example, pneumonia, acute respiratory viral infections, intestinal infectious diseases;
• dehydration of the body.

There is also the concept of "respiratory sinus arrhythmia", which is considered physiological and does not pose any danger to the baby. Such an arrhythmia can appear as a reaction to a sharp change in the frequency of breathing, for example, with a delay or increased respiration.

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Symptoms of sinus arrhythmia in a child

Violations of the rhythm of the heart are not always accompanied by any symptoms. It often happens that the baby does not show concern and does not complain, however, during the medical examination the doctor discovers cardiac "failures".

However, in rare cases, changes in the heart rate still affect the overall well-being, and even very noticeably. Of course, at an early age the child is not yet able to make complaints. Therefore, it is necessary to observe the baby and pay attention to signs of possible disruption of the heart.

The appearance of sinus arrhythmia may be indicated by the following symptoms:

• causeless apathy, or, on the contrary, anxiety;
• the appearance of dyspnea already with little physical exertion or even in a calm state;
• blanching of the skin, blue lips and nasolabial triangle, toes;
• deterioration of appetite;
• restless intermittent sleep;
• lack of body weight;
• constant feeling of fatigue;
• periodically increased sweating.

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

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

• Expressed more often at an older age, at 10-12 years. Such a disorder is usually accompanied by severe clinical symptoms, and can also be combined with other pathologies of the heart, for example, with rheumatism or cardiosclerosis. Especially dangerous is the combination of cardiac arrhythmia with bradycardia (slow heartbeat), which is often observed with neurosis. This condition requires immediate treatment, since the probability of the transition of the disease to a chronic form is high.
• Moderate affects children more than 6 years of age. Clinical manifestations of this pathology are weak, or none at all. The disease is detected only when examined by a cardiologist or during an ECG.
• The lung is most often functional and does not require special treatment. The mild form has no effect on health and in most cases is associated with vegetative imbalance or with the immaturity of the baby's nervous system. As the baby develops, this form of arrhythmia passes 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:

• evaluation of child complaints, collection of the history of the disease (when the heart rhythm was suspected for the first time, how it was treated, how the clinical picture changed against the background of the treatment);
• evaluation of a life history (degree of fullness of the baby, weight gain, past illnesses and interventions, living and learning conditions, heredity);
• general examination, pulse evaluation, listening to the heartbeat, tapping the area of the chest;
• general and biochemical examination of blood and urine, analysis of the hormonal background;
• electrocardiogram;
• Holter monitoring - observation of the ECG state during the day, when the slightest rhythm disturbances are recorded depending on physical activity, eating, time of day, etc .;
• echocardiography - ultrasound examination of the heart.

In addition, it may be necessary to consult a pediatric cardiologist or rheumatologist.

Sinus arrhythmia in a child on an ECG is as follows:

• 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 electric excitation that provokes the contraction of the heart muscle first affects the atria, and then the ventricles are the normal mode of the heart.

The duration of the PQ interval indicates the duration of the "atrial-ventricular" pulse. On a cardiogram with sinus arrhythmia, there should be no deviations. There may be changes in the RR interval-a decrease with tachycardia or an elongation with 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 be different, but, in any case, before the appointment of treatment should find the cause of rhythm disturbances, visiting the doctor.

In the functional form of cardiac rhythm disturbance, drug therapy is not applied. The correction of the baby's day regimen is carried out. Particular attention is drawn to adequate nutrition, sufficient rest, dosed physical exercise.

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

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

• medicinal;
• surgical.

The first step in therapy is the elimination of the effects on the child's organism of the causes of arrhythmia. The following steps are used for this:

• treatment of concomitant provoking pathology;
• influence on the existing chronic infection;
• abolition of medications, possibly affecting rhythm disturbance.

Drugs for sinus arrhythmia in a child are prescribed in a complex, using such groups of medicines:

• antiarrhythmic medications (for example, Novokainamid, Obsidan, 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 (Asparcum, Panangin, Potassium orotate).

If drug therapy does not bring the expected result, with severe arrhythmia, surgical intervention with minimally invasive methods can be prescribed:

• radiofrequency catheter ablation, cryoablation;
• staging pacemaker.

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

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

Treatment of sinus arrhythmia in a child by alternative means

Plant remedies can help in the treatment of rhythm disturbances. You can prepare them at home, but here it is recommended to consult your doctor in advance.

1. The following mixture is considered a very useful remedy for improving blood composition and heart function: 200 g of dried apricots, 100 g of raisins, 100 g of walnut kernels, lemon, honey. Solid ingredients should be ground in a meat grinder and mixed with honey, stored in a refrigerator. Take an empty stomach from 1 teaspoonful to 2 tablespoons (depending on the age).
2. It is recommended to use pear and grape juice, and also to add pieces of fruit in cereals or desserts.
3. It is useful to inhale a mixture of the following essential oils: cloves, lemon balm, mint, sage, eucalyptus, cinnamon, lavender, anise, fennel, nutmeg, needles, thyme.
4. It is also not less useful to drink tea based on lemon balm, at least 2 weeks.
5. You can brew 2 tsp. Crushed marigold in 400 ml of hot water, insist 1 hour, filter and take three times a day for 1 tbsp. Spoon.
6. If the heart rhythm is disturbed due to the instability of the nervous system, it is recommended to prepare an infusion of valerian root. 1 tbsp. Spoon the crushed root should be poured 200 ml of hot boiled water and insist night under the lid. Drink 1 tsp. Three times a day.
7. A wonderful effect gives tea from the dog rose, especially if you add honey to it (in the absence of allergies).
8. You can prepare the following collection: 1 tsp. Rhizomes of valerian, 1 tsp. Grass motherwort, ½ tsp yarrow and the same amount of anise fruit should be steamed in 200-250 ml of boiling water. Infusion to give the baby 1 tbsp. Spoon up to 3 times a day.
9. It helps with the violation of the heart rhythm, adding fresh salad greens and greens (dill, parsley) to salads.
10. It is recommended for young children to add an infusion of valerian root into the bathing bath.

Prevention of sinus arrhythmia in children

Prevention of sinus rhythm disturbances should include such activities:

• food should be moderate, without overeating (especially before bedtime). Older children are recommended to take advantage of plant foods - greens, fruit and vegetable dishes, freshly squeezed juices;
• children also need a full rest, so doctors strongly advise the child to avoid fatigue, but do not forget about the metered exercise. Benefits will be easy charging, swimming;
• It is necessary to walk with the baby more often outdoors, regardless of the season;
• parents need to monitor the state of the nervous system of the baby, avoid stresses, fears, hysterics and unrest;
• Do not give your child any medications;
• for any malfunction in the heart, the child should be immediately shown to the doctor.

If you follow these rather trivial, at first glance, advice, then violations in the work of the heart is not expected, and your child will be healthy.

Prognosis of sinus arrhythmia in a child

Violation of the rhythm of heart rate affects the overall performance of the heart muscle, which, in turn, can affect the decrease in the volume of pumped blood. Blood flow carries oxygen and nutrients to all organs, including the brain, so the entire body suffers from a lack of nutrients. As a result, such signs as disorders of consciousness, headaches and dizziness can develop. In addition, the violation of the coronary circulation may eventually lead to the formation of cardiac insufficiency.

The sooner the treatment is started, the less pronounced will be the threat of adverse effects to the baby's health.

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