True cardiac emergencies in children are rare compared with the adult population. Cardiac diseases in infancy and childhood may be acquired or congenital. Acquired cardiac disorders, such as cardiac tamponade, usually evolve acutely, and result in sudden alterations in cardiac physiology that may lead to rapid deterioration. Although 0.8% to 1% of infants have congenital heart disease, most are stable and do not present with acute decompensation in the perinatal period.<sup>26 Gewitz M., Vetter V. Cardiac emergencies Textbook of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (2000).  659-700

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti, 60 Schamberger M. Cardiac emergencies in children Pediatr Ann 1996 ;  25 : 339-344

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> Infants with obstructive cardiac lesions are exceptions, usually requiring emergency medical or surgical intervention. Arrhythmias and congestive heart failure, which can be associated with congenital or acquired diseases, also require immediate attention. Timely identification, management, and stabilization of these patients are important goals. The following is a review of the more common pediatric cardiac emergencies and their management.