My daughter is 14 years old and has started having high heart rates 1 year ago, saying that she also has chest pains and sometimes difficulty in breathing. This happens even when she's not doing anything, like if she's sitting on the sofa.
We've taken her to the GP and they've done multiple ECGs, all of which have always come back saying that there are no problems. Around 10 months after, we finally got an appointment to fit a Holter monitor. The Holter showed heart rates of up to 160bpm, without her doing any exercise. We also had an appointment with the paediatrician, who looked at the Holter results and said that everything was fine, despite the fact that the heart rate was fast.
As a parent, I would like to make sure that there are no problems, and therefore have an ultrasound done to make sure of no physical problems around the heart. However, the NHS is not agreeing to this.
Has anyone also had this problem?
and does anyone know where I could get an ultrasound done for my daughter?
Thanks
Written by
cambelezi
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I guess a cardiologist in a private hospital would do this for you and quite likely without a letter from your GP.But in your position i would be quite frank about what has happened to date. You might also ask one of the BHFoundation nurses for their advice. You can ring them and explain the situation. I have found them very helpful and highly experienced.
Both Spire Heathcare and Nuffield Health provide an echocardiogram diagnostic service and you can find a participating hospital local to you if you go to their websites. However it is likely that you will need a referral for an echocardiogram, and that will be provided by your GP who can then go over your options with you. But if you are reluctant to go to your NHS GP there is always the option of a consultation with a private GP.
When my brother in law had his out of hospital cardiac arrest, I took my then 3 teenage children to a charity that does heart screening for young people.
It sounds like your daughter has similar symptoms to me and it’s been going on since last August. I’ve had bloods, ECG, holter monitor which didn’t really show anything. Visits to A&E have caught the high heart rate, but like the comment above says, my rhythm was normal so they let me go once it had come down - it got up to 160/170.
NHS GPs have not been the best, probably super stretched but they say it’s in my head or anxiety which I know it isn’t. I booked a consultation with a private doctor who referred me for a Echo. Although expensive, it is good for peace of mind!
No diagnosis for me yet, but the private Cardiologist will hopefully have next steps.
Good luck and I hope you find someone to listen to you and help your daughter ... it really isn’t a nice thing to happen x
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Heart Rate Variability
Blood Pressure & Heart Rate
high resting heart rate 
Bisoprolol with low heart rate
