What does the term tachycardia refer to?

Tachycardia refers specifically to an increased heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute in adults. This condition can be a normal response to various factors such as exercise, stress, or illness, or it may indicate an underlying health problem such as heart disease or an electrolyte imbalance. Understanding that tachycardia signals a fast heart rate is essential for recognizing potential cardiovascular issues and for making informed decisions regarding patient care or further investigations.