tachycardia
Pronunciation: tak-ee-KAR-dee-ah
Abnormally fast heart rate, typically defined as greater than 100 beats per minute in adults.
Full Definition
Tachycardia is a cardiac arrhythmia characterized by an elevated heart rate exceeding normal resting values, generally defined as greater than 100 beats per minute in adults. Tachycardia can originate from various mechanisms including increased automaticity, triggered activity, or reentry circuits. Classification includes supraventricular tachycardia (originating above the ventricles) and ventricular tachycardia (originating in the ventricles). Causes range from physiological responses (exercise, stress, fever) to pathological conditions (hyperthyroidism, heart disease, medications). Treatment depends on the underlying mechanism, hemodynamic stability, and patient symptoms, ranging from observation to emergency cardioversion.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the type when possible (e.g., 'supraventricular tachycardia' rather than just 'tachycardia').
In Context
- "The patient developed sustained ventricular tachycardia requiring immediate cardioversion." — Critical care progress note
- "Supraventricular tachycardia was terminated successfully with adenosine administration." — Emergency medicine documentation