Supraventricular arrhythmias in children

Abstract

Background. Supraventricular arrhythmias (SVAs) are a subset of irregular heartbeats caused by malfunctioning electrical signals that control heart pace and rhythm. This sort of arrhythmia originates in the atria, the upper chambers of the heart. Up to 1 in 250 children who are otherwise healthy are thought to have it. With an estimated prevalence of 1-2%, SVAs are a prevalent kind of arrhythmia in young age. Objective of the study. To give a general overview of the incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of SVAs in children. Material and methods. To find pertinent studies on SVAs in children, a literature search was done. Articles from databases from the internet (PubMed, Medscape) that were published between 2019 and 2023 were included in the search. Results. Symptoms of supraventricular arrhythmias include palpitations, breathlessness, chest discomfort, and dizziness. Nearly 50% percent of children with SVT will experience their first episode within the first year of life. Atrioventricular nodal re-entrant tachycardia (AVNRT), atrial tachycardia (AT), and atrioventricular re-entrant tachycardia (AVRT) are the three most prevalent types of SVA in children. Most patients presenting with episodic palpitations have a structurally normal heart and will have normal findings on the physical examination, particularly older children. Infants are more likely to present with signs of heart failure because the tachycardia may have gone unrecognized for longer periods. SVAs in children are frequently diagnosed using an ECG and additional testing such as Holter monitoring or electrophysiological research. The first line of treatment for SVT in young children is medication like adenosine, followed by catheter ablation, surgery, or a combination of treatments. Conclusions. Early detection and treatment of SVAs in children are essential to prevent consequences like cardiac failure or stroke. Children with SVAs may require long-term therapy that includes ongoing monitoring and medical attention to stop the arrhythmia from returning.