Re: bradycardia

Posted By CCF Cardio MD-SGM on January 28, 1998 at 22:41:35:

In Reply to: bradycardia posted by kerri on January 20, 1998 at 13:40:12:







: What is a normal heart rate for a newborn.  Is a resting heart rate of 69-79 dangerously low.  Should the newborn be on a heart monitor?  Should the parents seek a second opinion?  Which hospitals in the Boston area are known for their newborn cardiac units,  which one would you recommend to someone?  Thank you.



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Dear Kerri,
The normal heart rate in newborns ranges from 120-170 beats per minute.  There is a great deal of variability in what is considered dangerously low, however, depending on the physical effects of a low heart rate.  Low heart rates in the newborn can be due to medications taken by the mother, such as beta-blockers, or can be the result of congenital disorders of the heart's electrical conduction system.  Many of these problems are transient, improving with time.
Whether to treat a significantly low heart rate depends, again, on the clinical problems that the child may be encountering.  Is the blood pressure adequate, are vital organs such as the kidneys and brain receiving adequate blood flow?   If the low heart rate is of significant concern, the child can be monitored on cardiac telemetry, and consideration can be given to the placement of  a temporary pacemaker, in the form of a small wire, to assist the heart in beating at a more physiologic, or normal, rate.
A second opinion is always a reasonable step, especially if you're uncomfortable with the information or recommendations made by your physicians.  An internationally respected pediatric institution in your area is Boston Children's Hospital.  Hope this has been helpful.  
Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.