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Tachycardia Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tachycardia

[ˌtækɪˈkɑːrdiə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Tachycardia refers to an abnormally high heart rate, typically defined as exceeding 100 beats per minute in resting adults. This condition can occur in response to various factors, including stress, anxiety, fever, or medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or anemia. It may also arise from certain medications or stimulants like caffeine and nicotine. Tachycardia can be classified into several types, depending on its origin in the heart, including atrial, ventricular, and sinus tachycardia. If left untreated, tachycardia can lead to more serious heart issues, including palpitations, fainting, or even cardiac arrest.

Synonyms

fast heart rate, rapid heartbeat.

Examples of usage

  • He was diagnosed with tachycardia after the stress test.
  • Tachycardia can be caused by high caffeine intake.
  • She experienced tachycardia during her panic attack.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health Implications

  • While it can be a normal response to exercise or excitement, persistent tachycardia can indicate underlying health issues.
  • Conditions such as anxiety, fever, and medication side effects can trigger it temporarily.
  • Chronic tachycardia may result in complications like heart palpitations, dizziness, or even heart failure.

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Doctors use an electrocardiogram (ECG) to measure heart rate and determine if it’s tachycardia.
  • Treatment may involve medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures like catheter ablation, depending on the cause.
  • Recognizing symptoms early can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Pop Culture

  • Tachycardia is often featured in medical dramas, highlighting its dramatic effects on patients’ lives.
  • The term has been mentioned in various songs and artworks to symbolize urgency or heightened emotions.

Adaptation

  • In some species, faster heart rates are an adaptation for surviving in harsher environments or while fleeing predators.
  • Athletes may experience controlled tachycardia as their training enhances cardiovascular efficiency.

Origin of 'tachycardia'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Greek 'tachys' meaning 'swift' or 'fast' and 'kardia' meaning 'heart'.
  • The term has been used in medical literature since the late 19th century to describe rapid heart rates.

The term 'tachycardia' originates from the Greek words 'tachys' meaning 'swift' or 'fast', and 'cardia' meaning 'heart'. The concept of incorporating the measurement of heart rate into medical understanding became prominent in the 18th century with advances in physiological study. Prior to this, descriptions of fast heart rates existed but were not systematically categorized. The term began to be widely used in medical literature by the late 19th century as the advent of clinical cardiology emerged, creating a framework for diagnosing and treating heart conditions. This formed part of a broader trend in medicine during that period aimed at developing more precise definitions and classifications of diseases, enabling better communication among practitioners. Today, tachycardia is a common focus in both emergency and primary care settings, illustrating the crucial role of rapid heart rates in the overall understanding of cardiovascular health.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,249, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.