What is a common ECG finding in children with congenital heart defects?

In children with congenital heart defects, the presence of arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms is a common ECG finding. Congenital heart defects can lead to structural abnormalities in the heart, which may disrupt the normal electrical conduction pathways. This disruption can result in various types of arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or other irregular heart rhythms. These abnormal rhythms can occur due to extra heart muscle tissue, abnormal connections between heart chambers, or the effects of increased pressure or volume overload on the heart.

In contrast, having a normal heart rhythm is less likely in the context of congenital heart defects due to the inherent nature of these conditions to create an imbalance in the heart's electrical system. Bradycardia, which refers to a slower than normal heart rate, can occur in some situations but is not as commonly associated with congenital heart defects overall. Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, can occur as a response to various conditions, including stress or increased activity levels, but it does not directly characterize the electrical disturbances often seen in congenital heart defects. Therefore, the presence of arrhythmias provides insight into the underlying pathophysiology of congenital heart defects and is a key factor that pediatric health care