What heart rate qualifies as tachycardia?

Tachycardia is defined as an abnormally high heart rate, typically recognized when the heart rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. This elevated rate can occur during physical exertion, stress, excitement, or can be medically significant and require attention, particularly if it happens at rest.

A heart rate below 60 beats per minute is classified as bradycardia, which indicates a slower than normal heart rate. A heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute falls within the normal range for adults at rest, indicating a healthy heart rhythm under these circumstances. While a rate between 100 and 120 beats per minute is indeed tachycardia, the broader definition encompasses any rate above 100 beats per minute, making it essential to recognize the significance of this classification in a medical context.

Thus, the recognition of tachycardia as a heart rate over 100 beats per minute is crucial for understanding potential health implications and guiding appropriate medical responses.