Heart Palpitations in Children

Common Causes

• Fever or illness — Infections or high body temperature can make the heart beat faster to fight sickness, which is common in kids (Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Cardiology).
• Anemia — Low red blood cells might force the heart to work harder, leading to fluttering sensations in growing children (NIH).
• Caffeine from sodas or energy drinks — Even small amounts in kids' drinks could overstimulate the heart, more noticeable in active youth (American Heart Association).
• Anxiety or excitement — School stress or sports might trigger awareness of heartbeats, similar to adults but often shorter-lived (Cleveland Clinic).

Learn More

For a full overview of this symptom, including home remedies and when to see a doctor, read our complete guide on Heart Palpitations.