What is indicated by a heart rate of over 100 beats per minute on an EKG?

A heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute on an EKG is classified as tachycardia. This condition typically indicates that the heart is beating faster than the normal range, which is generally between 60 to 100 beats per minute for a resting adult. Tachycardia can arise from various physiological or pathological conditions, including stress, fever, dehydration, anemia, or more serious cardiac issues.

Recognizing tachycardia on an EKG is crucial because it helps in assessing the patient's condition and determining potential underlying causes or necessary treatments. It is important to distinguish tachycardia from bradycardia, which is defined by a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute, and normal sinus rhythm, where the heart rate is within the normal range. Understanding these terms reinforces the fundamental interpretations of heart rhythms and their clinical implications.