Question

In adults, a tachycardia (tachy = fast) exists if the rate is more than 100 beats/min. Some dysrhythmias with very rapid ventricular rates (above 1#0 beats/min) require the delivery of medications or a shock to stop the rhythm. A bradycardia exists if the rate is less than 60 beats/min (brady = slow). Many patients tolerate a heart rate of 50 to 60 beats/min but become symptomatic when the rate drops below #0.

Answer 1

Abnormal heart rates in adults, termed as tachycardia when above 100 bpm and bradycardia when below 60 bpm, can have various causes and symptoms. Diagnosis commonly involves using an ECG or Holter monitor, and treatment depends on the underlying reason for the abnormal rhythm.

Step-by-step explanation:

For an adult, a normal resting heart rate (HR) is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm). When the heart rate is above 100 bpm, it is referred to as tachycardia, which can arise from a variety of factors such as fever, stress, or exercise. On the contrary, when the heart rate falls below 60 bpm, the condition is known as bradycardia. While trained athletes may have lower heart rates without symptoms, bradycardia can be symptomatic with signs like fatigue or dizziness, possibly indicating inadequate oxygenated blood flow from the heart.

Both of these conditions can be influenced by intrinsic cardiac factors like SA or AV node abnormalities or external factors including metabolic disorders. Important to note is that in children, a resting HR above 100 bpm is normal and not considered tachycardia. Treatment for these heart rate abnormalities is contingent on underlying causes, and may include medications, pacemakers, or other interventions.

Arrhythmias are often detected via diagnostic tools such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Holter monitor, which help in determining the right course of action for managing the irregular heart rhythms.