Cardiac Arrythmias: How to Detect and Are they Cause for Concern?

Augusta, GA—An autopsy shows cardiac arrythmia is what killed a North Augusta Middle School student, this week, due to left ventricular hypertrophy (an enlargement of the muscular tissue of the left ventricle). An arrythmia is an irregular heartbeat that can be hard to detect and not all of them are cause for concern. On rare occasions, they can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

Dr. Robert Sorrentino says it’s unrealistic to screen every child for heart abnormalities, but regular physicals are the best precaution. “Sudden Cardiac Arrest in children are catastrophic when they happen and totally unpredictable. And despite our efforts to screen for these things, screening isn’t always successful especially for someone who on the surface looks very healthy,“ says Dr. Sorrentino.

The doctor says regular physical exams are the best precaution. A primary doctor who detects an irregular heartbeat or murmur could suggest further testing. If a child complains of shortness of breath or rapid/skipped heartbeats, they may need more medical attention.

Automatic Electronic Defibrillators, AEDs, in public places, like schools, are a good defense against sudden cardiac arrest.