What Causes Peculiar Heart Rhythm In Children?

Posted on Mon, 30 Mar 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 Answered on

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. My ten-year-old daughter's doctor visit last week was quite alarming. When listening to her heart, they noticed a peculiar heartbeat. They did an EKG and said she had "Ectopic Atrial Rhythm, Marked Right Axis Deviation, Moderate High Lateral Repolarization Disturbance." We are awaiting a call from a pediatric heart doctor, but, as a parent, I hate the wait. Can you give me even an early hint of what this could mean? Sorry to sound like a hand-wringing father, but.....

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Does not seem alarming. Needs follow up investigations

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on Health Care Magic.

I understand your concerns. But the first thing that I would insist is not to panic. The atrial ectopics are often found in case of normal individuals and is perhaps not a cause of concern. But if it is due to a repolarization problem, it is likely to have been caused by some electrolyte imbalance which can be treated with some simple medicines. The electrolyte levels might need to be checked and a echocardigraphy might need to be done. But do not worry. It does not seem alarming to me.

Regards
Dr. Kunal Saha

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar