Extreme tiredness during the holiday season should alert parents to the risk of cardiac arrhythmia in children, says expert
School holidays are a time children look forward to, filled with play, travel, and rest. However, it is also a time when parents need to be aware of subtle signs of health problems, such as cardiac arrhythmia.
Imagine a child who, even without participating in strenuous activities, constantly complains of extreme tiredness and shortness of breath. These symptoms, often mistaken for laziness, may be indicative of a heart rhythm disorder that requires immediate medical attention.
According to data from the SBC (Brazilian Society of Cardiology), every year almost 29 thousand children are born with some anomaly in the structure of the heart. Julianny Freitas Rafael, a cardiologist specializing in cardiac arrhythmias, warns about the importance of recognizing these signs early to ensure the health of the little ones.
Warning signs
Cardiac arrhythmias are disturbances in the heart rhythm, which can be fast, slow, or irregular. In children, symptoms can vary, but some signs are worrisome. “Parents should pay attention to complaints of excessive tiredness, even when the child is not involved in strenuous play, and unexplained shortness of breath,” explains the doctor. Dizziness and fainting are also symptoms to watch for.
The professional’s guidance is that parents should be aware of any changes in their children’s behavior or level of physical activity during the holidays. After all, moments of leisure and rest are ideal for taking a closer look at children’s health, without the hustle and bustle of daily school life.
Pay special attention on vacation
As the holidays approach, routines change and activity levels may increase, whether traveling or playing outdoors. This can reveal symptoms that aren’t as obvious during times of less activity.
The cardiologist emphasizes that “in many cases arrhythmia can be asymptomatic, that is, the child may not show obvious symptoms. For this reason, it is essential to always be vigilant and consult the doctor at the slightest sign of an anomaly”.
During the holidays, it is normal for children to play for long hours and engage in vigorous physical activity. However, observation must be constant. Symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath or extreme tiredness should be taken seriously. “It is not normal for a child to feel extremely tired after moderate physical activity,” says Julianny.
Diagnosis and treatment
Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of arrhythmia. Tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, and Holter monitoring can help identify heart rhythm problems.
“A Request A visit to a pediatric cardiologist should be scheduled as soon as symptoms are noticed. Treatment can range from medications to more complex procedures, depending on the severity of the arrhythmia,” explains the cardiologist.
The specialist also explains that children with a family history of heart problems should be monitored more closely, especially if they have symptoms suggestive of arrhythmia. “The doctor may recommend restrictions on physical activity until the condition is adequately controlled,” adds Julianny.
“Prevention remains the best strategy,” the arrhythmologist assures. Healthy lifestyles, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can contribute to the health of the heart of children.
Julianny also emphasizes that reducing stress is important. “Emotional stress can trigger arrhythmias. It is essential that children have adequate moments of leisure and relaxation, especially during the holidays,” he concludes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
