Final answer:
An adult's normal resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 bpm, with lower rates indicating bradycardia and higher rates indicating tachycardia. In newborns, heart rate is assessed via the Apgar criteria, with low scores possibly requiring immediate resuscitation. Cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function demanding immediate resuscitation regardless of bpm.
Step-by-step explanation:
For adults, a normal resting heart rate (HR) ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Rates below 60 bpm are classified as bradycardia, while rates above 100 bpm are considered tachycardia. It is crucial to understand that not all instances of bradycardia warrant immediate resuscitation; it becomes a concern when accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, or chest discomfort. Conversely, a resting heart rate above 100 bpm is typically abnormal, representing tachycardia.
In the context of newborn care, the Apgar criteria assess a baby's heart rate as a critical parameter. Scores below 7 may necessitate medical assistance, while a total score below 5 indicates an emergency, requiring possible resuscitation or other urgent interventions. Furthermore, inherent rates such as those of the bundle branches or Purkinje fibers represent the heart's ability to generate impulses at various intrinsic rates, which, if left to pace the heart, can yield lower than normal heart rates, potentially leading to inadequate blood flow to vital tissues.
Cardiac arrest is a severe condition where the heart fails to pump blood, and this emergency condition certainly calls for immediate resuscitation efforts. Identifying and treating the underlying causes of abnormal heart rates, such as metabolic disorders or electrolyte imbalances, are integral to managing heart rhythm disorders and preventing the need for emergency interventions such as resuscitation.