Final answer:
A very tachycardic heart rate for infants/toddlers would generally be considered above 160-180 bpm. Tachycardia in adults is defined as above 100 bpm, and normal heart rates for children can often be above 100 bpm, but are not tachycardic for their age. Bradycardia in adults is a HR below 60 bpm and may not be significant unless accompanied by other symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general rule for infants/toddlers when assessing heart rate (HR) is that a heart rate above certain levels could be considered very tachycardic and potentially serious. For infants, tachycardia is commonly defined as a HR above the normal resting range for their age group. It's important to consider that normal resting heart rates for children and newborns can often be above 100 bpm, which is not considered tachycardic for their age group. However, a general guideline is that a resting heart rate above 160-180 bpm might be considered tachycardic and could warrant further medical evaluation.
For an adult, the resting heart rate range is typically 60-100 bpm, with tachycardia being diagnosed when the HR goes above this range. Conditions such as fever, anemia, and hypoxia can cause increased heart rates. It is also noted that maximum heart rates can be around 200-220 bpm but will decrease with age. Factors like stress, pregnancy, or certain disorders can also lead to increased HR. In assessing the seriousness of tachycardia, other symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, or fainting should also be considered, along with the heart rate.
Bradycardia is the term for a heart rate that falls below 60 bpm in adults, and may not be clinically significant unless accompanied by symptoms indicating insufficient oxygenated blood to the tissues.
When assessing an infant's heart rate, such as in the case of the Apgar score, heart rate is considered a critical parameter and can indicate the need for immediate medical assistance if anomalously low or high.