What is considered a rapid pulse rate?

A rapid pulse rate is defined as a resting heart rate that exceeds 100 beats per minute. This condition is medically referred to as tachycardia. It can be indicative of various underlying issues, including but not limited to stress, anxiety, fever, dehydration, or serious medical conditions such as heart problems.

In contrast, a resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute is considered bradycardia, and a rate between 60 to 100 beats per minute falls within the normal range for adults. A resting heart rate over 80 beats per minute may be higher than average but does not qualify as rapid. The threshold that indicates a rapid pulse is specifically set at over 100 beats per minute, affirming that this is where tachycardia is diagnosed. Therefore, the recognition of this threshold is crucial for appropriate assessment and intervention in patient care.