The right answer depends on your child’s specific diagnosis, and you should always confirm restrictions with their cardiologist. That said, some common considerations apply across many inherited cardiac conditions.
Energy drinks and stimulants. Drinks high in caffeine or taurine — including most energy drinks — should be avoided by children with arrhythmia conditions. Caffeine raises heart rate and can provoke arrhythmias in susceptible individuals. This applies to strong coffee and some pre-workout supplements as well.
Swimming unsupervised. For conditions in which arrhythmias can be triggered by sudden immersion in cold water or exertion, particularly Long QT Syndrome type 1, swimming should always be supervised by someone who understands the diagnosis and can respond in an emergency. Your child should not swim alone.
Sudden loud noises. For some conditions, particularly Long QT Syndrome type 2, a sudden unexpected noise can trigger an arrhythmia. This is worth keeping in mind for alarm clocks, fireworks, and similar situations.
Competitive high-intensity sport. Whether this is restricted depends on the diagnosis and the individual. This should be discussed specifically with the cardiologist rather than assumed either way.
Fairground rides and extreme activities. High-adrenaline activities can trigger arrhythmias in conditions where the heart’s response to adrenaline is impaired. Ask the cardiologist specifically about these if they are relevant to your child’s lifestyle.
Gaming. Intense gaming can raise heart rate and adrenaline levels. There is limited evidence of specific risk for most conditions, but very prolonged, intense sessions are worth discussing with the cardiologist, particularly for conditions with adrenaline-related triggers.