Which statement about tachycardia and bradycardia is correct?

Which statement about tachycardia and bradycardia is correct?

• A. Tachycardia is faster-than-normal heart rate, bradycardia is slower-than-normal heart rate
• B. Tachycardia is slower-than-normal heart rate, bradycardia is faster-than-normal heart rate
• C. They refer to blood pressure changes
• D. They describe different types of respiratory rates

Answer: (D)

Tachycardia and bradycardia describe heart rate, not blood pressure or breathing rate. Tachycardia means a heart rate faster than normal, while bradycardia means a heart rate slower than normal. In adults, a typical resting rate is about 60–100 beats per minute; tachycardia is usually defined as over 100 bpm and bradycardia as under 60 bpm (though athletes or certain conditions can shift these values). These terms help clinicians assess how the heart is responding and can point to various acute or chronic issues, whereas statements about blood pressure changes or respiratory rates describe different vital signs.

Tachycardia and bradycardia describe heart rate, not blood pressure or breathing rate. Tachycardia means a heart rate faster than normal, while bradycardia means a heart rate slower than normal. In adults, a typical resting rate is about 60–100 beats per minute; tachycardia is usually defined as over 100 bpm and bradycardia as under 60 bpm (though athletes or certain conditions can shift these values). These terms help clinicians assess how the heart is responding and can point to various acute or chronic issues, whereas statements about blood pressure changes or respiratory rates describe different vital signs.