Etymed
tachycardia
Definition
An abnormally rapid heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults
Clinical context
A 24-year-old female presents to the emergency department complaining of palpitations, shortness of breath, and lightheadedness. Her vital signs reveal a heart rate of 130 beats per minute, blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg, and she appears anxious. She denies chest pain or recent exertion. ECG shows a narrow complex tachycardia with a regular rhythm. The patient has a history of hyperthyroidism and has not been taking her levothyroxine medication for the past week.
Mnemonic
TACHY - Tired, Anxious, Confused, Hypotensive - all signs of rapid heart rate