Final answer:
Tachycardia in adults is characterized by a resting heart rate above 100 bpm, which can be a normal response in certain circumstances like pregnancy or stress but can also indicate a pathological condition. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medication, surgical intervention, or medical devices such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators. A specific algorithm is used to manage unstable tachycardia in emergency cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Tachycardia and Treatment
Tachycardia is a condition where the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute (bpm) in a resting state, which is not typical for a healthy adult. The normal resting heart rates for adults range between 60 and 100 bpm. It's important to note that pregnant individuals or those experiencing extreme stress may exhibit tachycardia due to stimulation from the limbic system or diseases of the autonomic nervous system. However, this can be considered normal physiological responses in those situations. Tachycardia can be concerning if accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, rapid pulse, heart palpitations, chest pain, or fainting.
Common causes include fever, anemia, hypoxia, hyperthyroidism, hypersecretion of catecholamines, certain cardiomyopathies, valvular heart disease, or acute radiation exposure. Treatment of tachycardia focuses on addressing the underlying cause and may include medications, cardiac procedures like ablation, the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators, or surgery. A specialized treatment algorithm for unstable tachycardia is designed for medical professionals to follow in emergency situations when a patient's condition is deteriorating.