What does tachycardia mean?
Tachycardia is the medical term for an abnormally fast heart rate. A heart may beat rapidly for ordinary reasons, such as exercise, stress, fever, or anxiety, but recurrent tachycardia at rest or without a clear cause can indicate an underlying heart or medical condition. The term is used in both general clinical discussion and more specific diagnoses such as sinus tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia. Unlike the everyday expression “fast heartbeat,” tachycardia is a technical term associated with a measured increase in heart rate; it does not necessarily imply an irregular rhythm, although some forms do involve one. Symptoms can include palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fainting, though the experience and severity depend on the cause. The word is primarily used in medicine, especially cardiology and emergency care.
nounTachycardia is a condition in which the heart beats faster than the normal resting rate. The term may refer to a temporary increase in heart rate, such as during exercise or stress, or to a medical disorder involving a persistently or recurrently rapid heart rate.
- An abnormally rapid heart rate, especially one occurring at rest or without an obvious physiological cause.
- A medical condition involving persistent, recurrent, or episodic rapid heartbeats.
"Her doctor ordered an ECG after she experienced episodes of tachycardia."
"The patient was treated in the emergency department for ventricular tachycardia."
"Her tachycardia subsided after she rested and the medication took effect."
Plural forms are used when referring to separate cases or episodes of the condition.
"The chart described several tachycardias that resolved without treatment."
Tachycardia comes from Greek roots meaning “fast” and “heart,” a fitting name for a condition defined by the heart's accelerated beat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tachycardia come from?
Tachycardia was formed in the 19th century from Greek takhys, meaning “fast, swift,” and kardia, meaning “heart.” The compound follows the established Greek medical pattern for names of heart conditions. Its relatives include tachometer, tachyon, tachypnea, and tachyphyllaxis, all of which reflect the same Greek root meaning speed or rapidity.
How tachycardia is actually used
In clinical usage, tachycardia is generally used for a resting heart rate above approximately 100 beats per minute, although the precise threshold can depend on context and clinical criteria. The word is primarily medical and is not normally used as a synonym for feeling excited or nervous.
Easily confused with tachycardia
Tachycardia describes an abnormally rapid heart rate, whereas tachycardia arrhythmia refers more broadly to a rapid, irregular or otherwise disorganized heart rhythm.
Palpitations describe the subjective sensation of noticing one's heartbeat, while tachycardia is a measurable increase in heart rate.