What heart rate in children over 2 years old may indicate a serious condition?

In children over 2 years old, a heart rate greater than 160 beats per minute can indicate a serious medical condition. This threshold is significant because it is higher than the upper limit of normal resting heart rates for this age group, which typically ranges from 70 to 130 beats per minute. When a child's heart rate exceeds this range, it can suggest potential underlying issues such as fever, dehydration, infection, or even cardiac arrhythmias.

Monitoring heart rate is essential in assessing a child's overall health status, especially in emergency settings. A sustained heart rate above 160 indicates that the child might be experiencing distress, whether due to physical exertion or illness, and warrants further evaluation and possibly immediate medical intervention.