Rapid heartbeat and congenital heart defects

Babies and children normally have a faster heartbeat than adults. Normal heartbeat ranges for children are listed in the table below.¹

**Normal heartbeat ranges for children**
Age	Beats per minute
Premature	120 to 170
0 to 3 months	100 to 150
3 to 6 months	90 to 120
6 to 12 months	80 to 120
1 to 3 years	70 to 110
3 to 6 years	65 to 110
6 to 12 years	60 to 95
12 years	55 to 85

When congenital heart defects lead to heart failure, the heart rate is often much faster than normal. Some heart defects make it harder to get enough oxygen into the blood from the lungs, while others make it harder for the heart to pump enough blood out to the body. Either kind of problem can cause the heart to beat faster as it tries to get enough oxygen-rich blood to the body.

Some heart problems cause the heart rate to be slower than normal. Heart block refers to an abnormality in the way electricity passes through the normal electrical pathways of the heart. The abnormality "blocks" the electrical impulse from continuing through the normal pathways and usually results in a slower heart rate. Heart block may be present from birth, but in general slow heart rates are not common for congenital heart defects. Slow heart rates are more likely to be from heart problems that happen after birth, such as when a severe illness damages the heart muscle.

References

Citations

Mathers LH, Frankel LR (2004). Pediatric emergencies and resuscitation section of Stabilization of the critically ill child. In RE Behrman et al., eds., Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 17th ed., pp. 279–296. Philadelphia: Saunders.

Credits

Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Larry A. Latson, MD - Pediatric Cardiology
Last Updated	October 25, 2007