Definition:
Tachycardia is a medical condition characterized by a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate. Typically, for adults, a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute (bpm) is considered tachycardic. The condition can be a response to various factors, including physical exertion, stress, illness, or it could indicate an underlying heart condition.
Etymology & Origin:
The term “tachycardia” comes from the Greek “tachys,” meaning “swift” or “speedy,” and “kardia,” meaning “heart.” Thus, it directly translates to “rapid heart.” The term has been used in medical contexts since the late 19th century to describe conditions involving an accelerated heart rate.
Examples:
- Sinus tachycardia, where the heart rate is elevated due to stress, fever, or physical exertion.
- Atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular tachycardia originating in the heart’s upper chambers.
- Ventricular tachycardia, a serious condition where the heart’s lower chambers beat unusually fast, which can be life-threatening.
