Palpitations in Children – Evaluation and Care in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain
Investigating Fast or Fluttering Heartbeats in Children
At KidsHeart Medical Center, we understand that feeling a racing or fluttering heartbeat — known as palpitations — can be frightening for both children and parents.
While palpitations are often harmless, they can sometimes indicate an underlying heart rhythm issue that needs attention.
Our expert team offers thorough evaluation and monitoring for pediatric palpitations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain, helping families find reassurance and the right path forward.
We work closely with our Pediatric Cardiology Services team to ensure every case is handled with the highest level of expertise and care.
A Racing, Fluttering, or Skipping Heartbeat Is Worth Getting Checked
Palpitations are surprisingly common in children and are often harmless — triggered by exercise, excitement, or anxiety. But because they can sometimes point to an underlying rhythm issue, it’s always better to have them properly evaluated than to guess.
Yes, Stress and Anxiety Can Make a Child's Heart Race Without Any Heart Problem
Emotional triggers are one of the most common causes of palpitations in children and teenagers. Our team considers the full picture — heart, lifestyle, and emotional health — so you get a complete and honest answer.
These Are the Signs That Make Palpitations More Urgent
Palpitations that last more than a few seconds, happen frequently without an obvious trigger, occur during exercise, or come with dizziness, fainting, or chest pain need to be seen promptly — as do cases where there’s a family history of sudden cardiac events.
The Challenge with Palpitations Is That They Often Don't Happen in the Clinic
A standard ECG only captures a snapshot of the heart’s rhythm. If palpitations come and go, we may also use Holter monitoring, an event recorder, or exercise stress testing to catch what’s happening when symptoms actually occur.
Until Your Child Is Cleared, It's Best to Temporarily Limit Strenuous Activity
If palpitations are frequent or associated with other symptoms, we recommend holding off on intense sport or exercise until a Pediatric Cardiologist has reviewed the findings and confirmed it’s safe to resume.
Treatment Depends Entirely on What's Causing the Palpitations
Many children need nothing more than reassurance and simple lifestyle guidance. Others may benefit from medication or, in rare cases, a minimally invasive procedure. We match the response to the actual finding — never more than what’s needed.
What Are Palpitations?
Palpitations are sensations where a child feels:
- A racing heartbeat
- Irregular beats (skipping, fluttering, or extra beats)
- A pounding or thumping sensation in the chest
They can occur at rest, during exercise, after emotional stress, or even without an obvious cause.
While palpitations are often due to normal heart responses to physical or emotional stimuli, sometimes they can signal arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) that require diagnosis and treatment.
When Should Palpitations Be Evaluated?
You should seek a Pediatric Cardiology evaluation if palpitations:
- Are sustained (lasting more than a few seconds)
- Occur frequently without clear triggers
- Are associated with fainting, dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath
- Happen during exercise or physical activity
- Are present along with a family history of sudden cardiac death or inherited heart conditions
Early evaluation helps distinguish harmless palpitations from those that need treatment.
How We Evaluate Palpitations
At KidsHeart, our evaluation typically includes:
- Detailed history-taking to understand the nature, frequency, and triggers of palpitations
- Physical examination focused on heart and circulation
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart rhythm at rest
- Holter monitoring or event monitoring to capture rhythm disturbances over time
- Exercise stress testing if symptoms occur with physical activity
- Advanced arrhythmia studies in selected cases where more detailed evaluation is needed
Our goal is to understand the root cause clearly and provide a path to safe management.
Why Choose KidsHeart?
- Evaluations led by specialized Pediatric Cardiologists experienced in arrhythmia management
- Access to state-of-the-art cardiac rhythm monitoring technologies
- Child-centered environment designed to reduce anxiety and promote cooperation
- Clear communication with families about findings, risks, and treatment options
- Located in Major Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain — offering easy and fast access to expert care
We are committed to providing answers — and peace of mind — at every stage.
Dr. Mohamed Sulaiman
Consultant, Fetal & Pediatric Cardiologist – American Board Assistant professor, Columbia University, New York
Dr. Ala Anbar
Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist – ARDMS/RDCS/ASE/Jordanian Board
Clear Answers for Racing Hearts
At KidsHeart, we help families get the answers they need when heart rhythms cause worry.
Our experienced team ensures your child’s heart is in the best hands — today and for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Many palpitations in children are benign, especially if not associated with other symptoms. Evaluation helps confirm when there’s no serious concern.
An ECG is typically the first step. Depending on the findings, longer-term monitoring or exercise testing may also be recommended.
Yes. Emotional stress, excitement, or anxiety can trigger palpitations even in healthy children.
Treatment depends on the cause. Some children require only reassurance, while others might need medication, lifestyle adjustments, or in rare cases, procedures like ablation.
Until cleared by a Pediatric Cardiologist, it’s best to temporarily limit strenuous activity if palpitations are frequent or concerning.