Is this normal for a 4 year old?

Question

I was listening to my 4 year old daughters heart beat through my stethoscope while she was sleeping this morning and noticed that it will beat strong and rapid and then just pause and then beat slowly for a few beats and start beating faster again then pause back to slow again. I listened to it for a while and the heart beat kept repeating this same cycle. Is this normal?

Answer 1

Absolutely normal. I worked in ICU for 16 years and watched heart monitors daily. The normal increase in heart rate that occurs during inspiration (when you breathe in) is called sinus arrythmia. This is a natural response and is more accentuated in children than adults, although I also saw it often in young basically healthy people, particularly males.
You can mention it at her next doc appointment, but if she's playing normally, eating well and looks fine, that is most likely what you were hearing. :)

Answer 2

Chances are that she could be dreaming, and in her dream she is doing something active, and then not active, so her heart beat is changing with the anxiety that goes along with whatever activity it is that she is involved in while dreaming.

Or, this is the scary part, it could be palputations. If you listen to this often, try a couple of days in a row and you notice that there is no change. You should speak with a doctor. There is a device called a holter-monitor which is worn for 24 hours. The purpose of the device is to figure out how one's heart functions at all times of day and in all different activities (i.e., eating, sleeping, playing, watching t.v., etc.)

Answer 3

I would take her to the Doctor, my cousin has a 5 month old baby who has a condition called SVT. Her heart beat would rapidly increase and then go back to normal. She is on medication, and the doctors said within a year she should grow out of it. It can be serious if left untreated, so don't hesitate to take her to the doctor. It might be something different, but better safe than sorry.

Answer 4

Honestly, I don't know. She may have a heart murmur, which in most cases are harmless. If you are concerned about it, take her to the doctor. Most of the females in my family have heart murmurs.

Answer 5

I don't understand why people ask important questions about their child's health to strangers...we are not doctors your job as a parent is to make sure you provide the best possible care for your child! If you think there is something wrong especially with their heart take them to a DR. If your kid is having a serious problem do you think any one of our stupid answers is going to fix it???

Answer 6

yeah that is normal for a child

Answer 7

i suggest the pediatrician for his advice.