What does the term 'tachycardia' refer to?

Tachycardia refers to an abnormally fast heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute in adults. This condition can result from various factors including stress, exercise, fever, or underlying medical conditions. Understanding this term is crucial in cardiology as it can indicate an array of potential health issues, from benign causes to more concerning cardiac pathologies that may require further evaluation and management. Recognizing tachycardia as an elevated heart rate helps in assessing a patient’s cardiovascular status and determining the appropriate interventions needed for treatment.