Arrhythmia & Rhythm Disorders

Palpitations and SVT in Children

Expert investigation and management of fast heartbeats, ectopic beats, and Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) by consultant paediatric cardiologist Dr Nitha Naqvi.

What causes palpitations and SVT in children?

Palpitations in children are sensations of racing, skipped, or fluttering heartbeats. Most childhood palpitations are harmless ectopic beats or normal responses to excitement, caffeine, or fever. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a distinct arrhythmia caused by an extra electrical connection in the heart, resulting in sudden bursts of heart rates between 180 and 260 beats per minute.

Recognising Symptoms in Babies & Children

Children describe palpitations in various ways, such as their heart "bumping", "jumping", "beating in their neck", or "fluttering like a butterfly". Younger toddlers may simply clutch their chest or become suddenly pale and quiet.

Key Signs of SVT:

  • Sudden onset and sudden termination (like a light switch turning on and off)
  • Heart rate too fast to accurately count by hand (>180-220 bpm)
  • Visible throbbing pulsation in the neck or upper chest
  • Associated dizziness, paleness, or feeling exhausted after an attack

Diagnostic Testing at 77 Wimpole Street

Capturing the heartbeat during symptoms is the key to accurate diagnosis. Dr Naqvi provides rapid access to:

At-Home Emergency Vagal Manoeuvres

For acute SVT attacks, vagal manoeuvres stimulate the vagus nerve to slow down the electrical conduction in the heart:

Cold Facial Stimulus (Babies & Toddlers)

Placing a cold ice pack or wet icy cloth over the face/bridge of the nose for 10-15 seconds triggers the dive reflex.

Valsalva Strain (Older Children)

Blowing forcefully into a 10ml syringe or blocked straw, or attempting a handstand with parent assistance.

Specialist Cardiac Care

Dr Naqvi collaborates closely with leading paediatric electrophysiologists at Royal Brompton and Evelina London Hospitals for catheter ablation when indicated.

Appointments

Book private arrhythmia assessment with Dr Naqvi.

Book Consultation 0208 1370242

Frequently Asked Questions: Palpitations & SVT

Parent guidance from Dr Nitha Naqvi

Palpitations in children are often harmless ectopic (extra) beats or sinus tachycardia linked to fever, dehydration, or anxiety. Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is caused by an extra electrical pathway in the heart that triggers sudden episodes of extremely fast, regular heartbeats (often 180–250+ bpm).

Diagnosis is confirmed using a 12-lead ECG, 24-hour Holter monitor, or portable event monitor to capture the rapid rhythm during an episode, supported by an echocardiogram to check heart structure.

Vagal manoeuvres can safely stop an episode: placing ice or a cold compress across the forehead/face for babies, or asking older children to blow hard through a straw or do a handstand. If the heart rate does not slow within minutes or the child feels faint, seek emergency care immediately.

Yes. A significant percentage of babies diagnosed with SVT in infancy naturally outgrow the condition by their first birthday. For older children with persistent episodes, daily preventative medication or curative catheter ablation is available.