“When should I take my child to the ER for an increased heart rate?”
My daughter is 6 years old and she has a fast heart rate. When should I take my child to the ER for an increased heart rate?
4 Answers
Hello
If she has other symptoms like chest pain, sweating, or tremors. Feel better!
If she has other symptoms like chest pain, sweating, or tremors. Feel better!
Some increased heart rates are normal and vary with age as to what is normal. If she is feeling dizzy or faint or color looks bad - gray or very pale or blue - that is an emergency. If she is consistently above about 160, she should be seen.
A 6 year old can have while awake a heart rate between 70 to 120 beats per minute and normally can have episodes of increased heart rate. If she refers chest pain or shortness of breath during those episodes, you should take her to the ER, discuss this with your pediatrician and keep a diary when you notice her heart rate increase and for how long.
First assess the cause of the fast heart rate. If she has been running around, have her sit quietly for 10 min and reassess. If she has a fever, give Tylenol and fluids and reassess in 30-45 min. If she has a resting heart rate over 180 beats per minute, she should be taken to the ER
