Tachycardia or Fast Heart Rate
Heart Beats Over 100 Times Each Minute
Tachycardia is a rapid heart rate. A normal adult heart beats from 60 to 100 times each minute. Anything over 100 beats per minute is referred to as tachycardia.
Can Come From Two Places
Tachycardias can originate in the atrial (upper) chambers of your heart or in the ventricular (lower) chambers.
Some Conditions Do Not Need Treatment
Sometimes, tachycardia is fairly harmless and does not need treatment. Sinus tachycardia, from the heart's sinus node, for example, is a normal response to exercise, illness or stress.
Some Conditions Can Be Life-Threatening
However, other cases of tachycardia can be life-threatening and do require treatment. Typically, ventricular tachycardias (V-tach) can be more serious arrhythmias. Treatments range from medications to open-heart surgery.
