What condition is referred to by the term 'tachycardia'?

Tachycardia refers to a rapid heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute in adults. This condition can occur as a physiological response to various factors such as exercise, stress, or anxiety, as well as underlying medical conditions.

Understanding tachycardia is crucial for combat medics because it can be an indicator of several health issues, ranging from benign to critical, and can affect a patient’s ability to respond to treatment. Recognizing the signs of tachycardia allows medics to assess a patient’s condition quickly and determine if further medical intervention is necessary.