Final answer:
A normal adult resting heart rate is 60-100 bpm. Bradycardia is below 60 bpm and can be significant if symptomatic, potentially requiring a pacemaker. Tachycardia is over 100 bpm and can be serious, with various treatments based on the underlying cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
A normal resting heart rate (HR) for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Two main non-normal conditions related to heart rate are bradycardia and tachycardia. Bradycardia refers to a resting heart rate below 60 bpm. It may not be clinically significant unless accompanied by symptoms like weakness, fainting, or chest discomfort. Trained athletes often have lower resting HRs, and bradycardia can be caused by factors internal and external to the heart. Possible external factors include endocrine system pathologies, metabolic disorders, and the overuse of beta-blocker drugs. Treatment focuses on the underlying cause, which might necessitate a pacemaker if serious.
Tachycardia is distinguished by a resting heart rate of more than 100 bpm. While it can occur during pregnancy or extreme stress, it's not normal in other situations. Symptoms may include dizziness, chest pain, or fainting, and it can have various causes such as anemia, fever, or heart valve disorders. Treatment varies but may include medications or surgery. Unlike in adults, a resting HR above 100 bpm in children is not considered tachycardia due to age-related variability in heart rates.