What condition is characterized by an abnormally fast heart rate?

Tachycardia is the condition where a person experiences an abnormally fast heart rate, generally defined as a resting heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute in adults. This elevated heart rate can arise from various factors, including physiological responses to stress, anxiety, fever, dehydration, or underlying medical conditions. In tachycardia, the heart's electrical signals are triggered in such a way that it beats quicker than normal, which can lead to inadequate blood flow to the body if sustained over time.

Understanding tachycardia is essential in the context of EKG interpretation, as it can manifest in various forms, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, each having different implications for patient care. Identifying tachycardia promptly allows for appropriate intervention, which may include medications, lifestyle changes, or further cardiac evaluation, depending on the underlying causes and the severity of the condition.

Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, arrhythmia describes any irregularity in heart rhythm, and asystole indicates a lack of electrical activity in the heart, leading to no heartbeats at all. Each of these conditions has its own set of characteristics and clinical implications that differ significantly from those of tachy