Final answer:
It is false that atrial tachycardia is always accompanied by symptoms of decreased cardiac output. While symptoms can occur, many individuals with atrial tachycardia remain asymptomatic. A heart rate above 160 bpm in a healthy young adult usually decreases cardiac output.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that atrial tachycardia is always accompanied by symptoms of decreased cardiac output is false. While some individuals may experience symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, many remain asymptomatic, particularly if the heart rate remains above certain thresholds. It's important to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic tachycardia to properly address it medically. For instance, in a healthy young adult, an increase in heart rate above 160 beats per minute (bpm) typically leads to a decrease in cardiac output because the heart's ventricles have less time to fill with blood between beats. However, this response can vary depending on the individual's condition and underlying causes.