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Tachycardia is a medical term referring to a heart rate that exceeds the normal resting rate for an individual. In adults, a resting heart rate is generally considered to be above 100 beats per minute. This can occur in various situations and can be caused by a range of factors.

Physiological tachycardia is a normal response to certain stimuli. For instance, the heart rate naturally increases during physical exercise, stress, fever, or when experiencing strong emotions like fear or excitement. This is the body's way of delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues that require them.

Pathological tachycardia, on the other hand, is an abnormally fast heart rate that is not due to a normal physiological response. This can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Some common causes include heart disease, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure, electrolyte imbalances, anemia, hyperthyroidism, and certain medications or recreational drugs. Arrhythmias, which are irregular heart rhythms originating in the heart's electrical system, are also a significant cause of pathological tachycardia.

Symptoms of tachycardia can vary depending on the cause and the individual. Some people may experience no symptoms at all, while others might feel palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or even fainting.

Diagnosis of tachycardia typically involves an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to record the heart's electrical activity. Further tests may be ordered to identify the underlying cause, such as blood tests, echocardiograms, or Holter monitoring. Treatment depends entirely on the specific cause of the rapid heart rate and may range from lifestyle modifications and medication to more invasive procedures like cardioversion or ablation therapy.