Menu
Cardiac dysrhythmia or arrhythmias are caused by abnormalities in the electrical activity of the heart and can be classified as bradyarrhythmias, tachyarrhythmias or pulseless arrest.
Bradyarrhythmia
Bradyarrhythmias are the most common arrhythmias in children and usually presents with hypoxemia, hypotension and acidosis. Bradycardia is a heart rate which is slower than the normal for the age of the child; usually less than 60 bpm is indicative of bradycardia and immediate CPR should be initiated.
Bradyarrhythmia
Signs of Bradycardia |
|
|
|
|
Symptoms of Bradycardia |
|
|
|
|
There are 5 examples of bradyarrthmias that are seen in children:
Sinus Node Arrest/Sick Sinus Syndrome Sinus node arrest/sick sinus syndrome is associated with abnormal heart rhythms due to malfunction of the sinus node. These may include atrial, junctional and idioventricular escape rhythms.
Sinus Bradycardia Sinus bradycardia starts in the SA node with decreased rate (<60 beats/min). It develops due to decreased metabolic demand and may be caused by hypoxia, poisoning, hypoglycemia, or hypothyroidism.
Tachyarrhythmia
Signs of Tachycardia |
|
|
|
|
Symptoms of Tachycardia |
|
|
|
|
Atrial Flutter
Atrial flutter is abnormal heart rhythm causing fast irregular heartbeat. Usually occurs in the atria of the heart and is uncommon in children. Some causes of atrial flutter include: hypertension, ischemia, cardiomyopathy, and abnormal heart valve.
Torsades de Pointes/Polymorphic VT
Polymorphic VT or Torsades de Pointes is when different areas in the ventricles fire fast, uncoordinated impulses. Ventricular rates range from 150-250 bpm and QRS complex vary in apprearance. Some causes of polymorphic VT or Torsades de pointes include: diarrhea, hypomagnesaemia, and hypokalemia.
American CPR Care Association provides training in online CPR certification, AED training and Standard First Aid for lay-responders and Healthcare Providers.
American CPR Care Association is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 48,237 ratings.
All content Copyright 2023 © – American CPR Care Association. All rights reserved.