What is a Dangerous Heart Rate for a Child?

Understanding Dangerous Heart Rates in Children by Age

In newborns, a resting heart rate above 180–200 bpm is a dangerous heart rate. Whereas in the case of teenage children, a resting heart rate of above 100 bpm at rest is considered a threat. This condition of having a higher heart rate above normal in children is known as tachycardia.

What is Tachycardia in Children?

A child experiences tachycardia when their heart rate exceeds the normal range according to their age. The normal heart rate of children depends on their age group and the activities they are involved in. Children might experience tachycardia due to fever, stress, or extensive exercise.

Why is the Heart Rate of Children Different from that of Adults?

The resting heart rate of children is different from that of adults. This is due to the smaller size of their heart, a decrease in stroke volume, and decreased blood volume. There is no ideal maximum heart rate for children because of their diet, level of nutrition, medication, and health condition. In this case, gender also plays a critical role.

What are the Signs to Look for in a Child's Exertion?

Look for these signs to see if your child appears to be burnt out:

• Feeling of light-headedness
• Experiencing dizziness
• Finding it hard to breathe

When your child experiences exertion, ask them to take a short break by lying down. When they lie down, their heart and head are at the same level, making it easier for the brain to receive oxygen-rich blood. This will prevent them from fainting. You can also consider rehydrating them, as dehydration might lead to a feeling of dizziness.   

How to Monitor a Child's Heart Rate?

You can conduct a pulse test on your child. It is easy to check your child's pulse from multiple places, such as the wrist, inside the elbow or the side of the neck. Now, to check the pulse rate, you place two fingers on your child's wrist below their thumb.

Gently press over it until you feel a slight beat against your fingertips. You now have to count the number of beats you feel in 15 seconds. To determine the overall heart rate, you have to multiply the number by 4.

For instance, if you feel about 25 beats in 15 seconds, the total heart rate of your child is 100 bpm.

When to Take Expert Help?

A fast heart rate is usually not a matter of severe concern. However, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention:

• The child experiences a fast heart rate, constant chest pain, and difficulty in breathing.
• Heartbeats are so fast that you are unable to monitor them properly.
• The heart rate of your child is extremely slow, and the child appears faint or tired.

In most cases, an increase in heart rate among children is not a serious condition. However, you must monitor and visit an expert to observe other signs and symptoms.