arterial pulse (fast rate)
Last reviewed 04/2022
Tachycardia in adult is defined as a pulse rate of >100 beats per minute.
An abnormally fast pulse has various possible causes:
- sinus tachycardia - the rhythm is normal
- cardiac arrhythmias causing tachycardia where the rhythm is not normal
Tachycardia in a child varies depending on the age of a child (see table below). For example a pulse rate of 130 in a 10 year old is tachycardia but not in a 1 year old.
Heart rate by age (normal ranges) (1):
| Age (years) | Heart rate (beats per minute) |
| <1 | 110-160 |
| 1-2 | 100-150 |
| 2-5 | 95-140 |
| 5-12 | 80-120 |
| >12 | 60-100 |
Reference:
- 1) Paediatric Assessment. University of Southampton NHS Hospitals Trust (accessed 2/1/13)
target heart rate and estimated maximum heart rate during exercise (sport)