Q: My child has a fever and a heart rate of 140-150 bpm. Is this normal due to the fever?

Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD

Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Question:

My child currently has a fever, and I noticed their heart rate is around 140 to 150 beats per minute. Is it normal for the pulse to be this fast just because of the fever?

Answer:

Yes, it is completely normal for a child's heart rate to increase when they have a fever. As a general medical rule, a child's heart rate increases by about 10 to 15 beats per minute for every 1°C rise in body temperature.

For reference, here are the standard normal resting heart rates (beats per minute) based on age:

• 0-3 months: 100-150 bpm

• 3-6 months: 90-120 bpm

• 6-12 months: 80-120 bpm

• 1-3 years: 80-110 bpm

• 3-5 years: 75-100 bpm

A fast heart rate combined with a fever is generally not a cause for immediate concern on its own. However, you should take your child to the emergency room right away if you observe any of the following severe symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing or working hard to breathe

• Complaining of chest pain

• Lethargy, confusion, or an altered level of consciousness

• Bluish discoloration of the lips or fingernails

Here is what you can do at home right now:

1. Administer an appropriate dose of a fever reducer (such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen).

2. Dress your child in light, breathable clothing to help heat escape.

3. Offer fluids frequently to keep them well-hydrated.

4. Recheck their heart rate about 1 hour after giving the fever-reducing medication.

Once the fever goes down, your child's heart rate should naturally return to its normal range. However, please consult a doctor for an in-person evaluation if the heart rate remains consistently high even after the fever breaks, or if your child appears unusually tired or unwell.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us