Chapter 19 - Section 19.6 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 740: 3

"Tachycardia" and "bradycardia" are medical terms used to describe abnormal heart rates that deviate from the typical range. They refer to conditions in which the heart rate is either too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia) at rest. Here's what each term means: 1. **Tachycardia:** Tachycardia refers to a condition in which the heart rate is abnormally fast, typically defined as a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults. This rapid heart rate can occur due to various factors, including physical exertion, stress, fever, certain medications, electrolyte imbalances, or underlying medical conditions. Tachycardia can sometimes be a normal response to specific situations, such as during exercise or in moments of stress. However, persistent or recurrent tachycardia can indicate an underlying heart or health issue that requires medical attention. There are different types of tachycardia, including: - **Atrial Tachycardia:** Abnormal electrical signals originate in the atria (upper chambers) of the heart. - **Ventricular Tachycardia:** Rapid heart rate originating in the ventricles (lower chambers), which can be life-threatening if not promptly managed. - **Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT):** A broad term for various types of rapid heart rates originating above the ventricles, often in the atria. 2. **Bradycardia:** Bradycardia, on the other hand, refers to a condition in which the heart rate is abnormally slow, usually defined as a resting heart rate below 60 bpm in adults. Bradycardia can occur due to factors such as aging, certain medications (like beta blockers), electrolyte imbalances, infections, an underactive thyroid gland, or heart conditions that affect the heart's electrical conduction system. Bradycardia can sometimes be normal in highly trained athletes due to their well-conditioned hearts. However, in other cases, it can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and even fainting. Severe bradycardia can compromise the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to decreased circulation and oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. It's important to note that both tachycardia and bradycardia can have various underlying causes and implications. If you experience persistent symptoms or have concerns about your heart rate, it's recommended to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

"Tachycardia" and "bradycardia" are medical terms used to describe abnormal heart rates that deviate from the typical range. They refer to conditions in which the heart rate is either too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia) at rest. Here's what each term means: 1. **Tachycardia:** Tachycardia refers to a condition in which the heart rate is abnormally fast, typically defined as a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute (bpm) in adults. This rapid heart rate can occur due to various factors, including physical exertion, stress, fever, certain medications, electrolyte imbalances, or underlying medical conditions. Tachycardia can sometimes be a normal response to specific situations, such as during exercise or in moments of stress. However, persistent or recurrent tachycardia can indicate an underlying heart or health issue that requires medical attention. There are different types of tachycardia, including: - **Atrial Tachycardia:** Abnormal electrical signals originate in the atria (upper chambers) of the heart. - **Ventricular Tachycardia:** Rapid heart rate originating in the ventricles (lower chambers), which can be life-threatening if not promptly managed. - **Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT):** A broad term for various types of rapid heart rates originating above the ventricles, often in the atria. 2. **Bradycardia:** Bradycardia, on the other hand, refers to a condition in which the heart rate is abnormally slow, usually defined as a resting heart rate below 60 bpm in adults. Bradycardia can occur due to factors such as aging, certain medications (like beta blockers), electrolyte imbalances, infections, an underactive thyroid gland, or heart conditions that affect the heart's electrical conduction system. Bradycardia can sometimes be normal in highly trained athletes due to their well-conditioned hearts. However, in other cases, it can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and even fainting. Severe bradycardia can compromise the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to decreased circulation and oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. It's important to note that both tachycardia and bradycardia can have various underlying causes and implications. If you experience persistent symptoms or have concerns about your heart rate, it's recommended to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.