Tachycardia

Definition

An abnormally fast heart rate, exceeding 100 beats per minute at rest. The cardiac equivalent of your heart running a sprint when it should be taking a leisurely stroll.

Example Usage

After chugging three energy drinks, his tachycardia was so pronounced that the EKG machine practically filed a noise complaint.

Origin

From Greek 'tachys' (swift) and 'kardia' (heart)

Fun Fact

Supraventricular tachycardia can sometimes be stopped by having patients bear down as if constipated, making the Valsalva maneuver both medically brilliant and socially awkward.

Source: Cardiology and emergency medicine terminology

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