How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Palpitations in Children

Audience: pediatric

Palpitations are feelings that your child's heart is pounding, racing, or skipping beats. These sensations can be worrying but are often harmless. When your child experiences palpitations, a telemedicine visit can be a convenient way to discuss symptoms with a healthcare provider. During the visit, you can share details about your child's symptoms, medical history, and any triggers you have noticed. Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluations and follow-up discussions but may not replace in-person exams or tests if needed. Preparing for the visit by noting symptom details and having a quiet, well-lit space helps the healthcare provider assess your child's condition better. If your child has severe symptoms like fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency care immediately. This guide helps you understand how to prepare for a telemedicine visit about palpitations in children, what to expect, and when to seek in-person care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child faints or loses consciousness during or after palpitations — seek emergency care immediately.
• Child experiences chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or bluish lips or face — call emergency services right away.
• Palpitations are very frequent, prolonged, or accompanied by weakness or dizziness — arrange urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild palpitations without severe symptoms.
• Reviewing symptom history and medication use.
• Providing advice on monitoring and when to seek further care.
• Follow-up discussions after initial evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations with chest pain, fainting, or severe breathing difficulty.
• Performing physical exams or diagnostic tests like ECGs.
• Administering treatments that require in-person care.
• Evaluating complex or unstable heart conditions.

What are Palpitations in Children?

Palpitations are sensations that feel like your child's heart is beating too fast, fluttering, or skipping beats. They can be caused by many things, including stress, fever, dehydration, or sometimes heart conditions. Most palpitations in children are harmless, but it is important to check with a healthcare provider to be sure.

When is Telemedicine Appropriate for Palpitations?

Telemedicine can be a good first step if your child has mild palpitations without other serious symptoms. It allows you to talk to a healthcare provider from home and share details about your child's symptoms, medical history, and any medicines they take. The provider may ask questions to understand the situation and decide if further tests or in-person care are needed.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, write down when the palpitations started, how often they happen, how long they last, and what seems to trigger them. Note any other symptoms like dizziness, chest pain, or fainting. Have a list of your child's current medicines and any health conditions. Find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection for the visit. Make sure your child is calm and comfortable.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and medical history. They may guide you to check your child's pulse or watch their breathing. Sometimes, they will decide if your child needs tests like an electrocardiogram (ECG) or in-person evaluation. They will explain possible causes and next steps.

When to Seek In-Person or Emergency Care

If your child has palpitations along with chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat, seek emergency care immediately. Telemedicine cannot replace urgent physical exams or emergency treatments. If the provider recommends tests or specialist visits, follow those instructions promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the time and frequency of palpitations.
• Record any triggers or activities related to symptoms.
• List all current medications and health conditions.
• Prepare a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection.
• Have a device ready with video and audio capabilities.
• Be ready to describe your child's symptoms clearly and calmly.
• Have a family member or caregiver assist if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any instructions given by the healthcare provider.
• Schedule recommended in-person tests or specialist visits if advised.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Seek emergency care if red-flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of symptoms and treatments for future visits.
• Contact the healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of palpitations in my child?

Telemedicine can help your healthcare provider understand your child's symptoms and decide if further tests are needed. However, some causes require physical exams or tests that must be done in person.

What should I do if my child has palpitations and chest pain?

Chest pain with palpitations can be serious. Seek emergency medical care immediately rather than waiting for a telemedicine visit.

How can I help my child during a telemedicine visit?

Make sure your child is calm and comfortable. Be ready to describe symptoms clearly. Have any medical information and medications handy. A quiet space with good lighting helps the provider see and hear your child well.

Are palpitations common in children?

Yes, palpitations are relatively common and often harmless in children. They can be caused by stress, fever, or activity. Still, it is important to get them checked to rule out serious issues.

When should I call for emergency help instead of waiting for a telemedicine appointment?

Call emergency services if your child faints, has chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, or blue lips or face. These signs need immediate in-person care.

Sources

1. Palpitations — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Heart Palpitations in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Arrhythmias and Palpitations — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or emergencies, seek immediate medical attention.