Chest pains are often perceived by both children and adults as pain related to the heart. However, this is rarely true. Chest pains can arise from many different causes, particularly in the course of exercise. But when chest pains are accompanied by dizziness, more serious concerns arise. To be safe, the development of these two conditions at the same time should prompt you to call a doctor or take your child to the hospital.
Dizziness Causes
Dizziness occurs when blood flow to the brain decreases. Most of the causes of dizziness are not serious in nature, although they can occur suddenly. Blood pressure may drop due to dehydration. Dizziness is sometimes present in children who get the flu or common cold, or if they are suffering from low blood sugar levels or allergies.
Chest Pain Causes
The causes of chest pain -- even the kind that develops suddenly -- can vary widely. It could result from a muscle strain during exercise, or inflammation in the cartilage around the ribs. A pinched nerve may cause pain, as can asthma, which is often associated with exercise-induced chest pain. Heartburn can cause chest pain, and high anxiety or stress can also create chest pains.
Relation
Separately, chest pains and dizziness are not always cause for alarm. When they occur suddenly and in relation to one another, though, serious consequences may develop -- both can be the symptoms of serious cardiac conditions like an abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, stroke or a severe drop in blood pressure. All of these require immediate medical attention and are potentially life-threatening.
Considerations
Although the combination of chest pain and dizziness is potentially dangerous, they do not automatically indicate a serious heart condition. For example, suffering a chest injury during intense exercise could cause both to develop concurrently. Because some heart conditions like heart attack and stroke are less likely in children, the risk of a serious heart problem producing both of these symptoms is not as high as is the case for adults. Still, precautions should be taken to preserve the life of the child.
