Final answer:
Tachycardia is a fast heart rate above 100 bpm at rest and can have various causes and treatments. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate below 60 bpm and may require a pacemaker or other treatments if symptomatic. Both are types of arrhythmias, which can potentially have serious health implications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tachycardia and Bradycardia:
Tachycardia is a condition characterized by a heart rate (HR) that exceeds 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults when at rest. This may be considered normal in certain situations, such as pregnancy or during extreme stress, but can be associated with a range of conditions, including fever, anemia, hyperthyroidism and cardiomyopathies. Treatment for tachycardia can vary based on the underlying cause, and may involve medications, cardioverter defibrillators, ablation, or surgery. On the other han Bradycardia is diagnosed when an adult's resting HR falls below 60 bpm. While some trained athletes naturally have lower heart rates in cases where bradycardia is accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or shortness of breath, it may indicate inadequate blood flow to the body's tissues.
Possible causes include SA or AV nodal abnormalities, metabolic disorders, and prescriptions of beta blockers, among others. Treatment focuses on addressing the primary cause and may require the use of a pacemaker or supplemental oxygen. Arrhythmia encompasses both tachycardia and bradycardia and refers to any irregularity in the heartbeat, which may be too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. While some arrhythmias are asymptomatic others can lead to severe consequences, including stroke or heart failure.