Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

At what heart rate is tachycardia considered requiring treatment?

1. Over 130 beats per minute

2. Over 150 beats per minute

3. Over 120 beats per minute

4. Over 140 beats per minute

The correct answer is: Over 150 beats per minute

Tachycardia is generally defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute; however, the threshold for initiating treatment often depends on the clinical context and the patient's symptoms. A heart rate higher than 150 beats per minute is particularly concerning as it may indicate more severe forms of tachycardia, such as ventricular tachycardia or supraventricular tachycardia. At this rate, the risk of hemodynamic instability increases, potentially leading to reduced cardiac output and other serious complications. Treating tachycardia is primarily aimed at preventing adverse outcomes such as myocardial ischemia, heart failure, or syncope. Therefore, a heart rate above 150 beats per minute is typically used as a critical cutoff for interventions. This is especially relevant in cases where the patient exhibits symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or altered mental status associated with the rapid heart rate. Lower thresholds of 120, 130, or 140 beats per minute may indicate tachycardia, but treatment considerations often begin at a higher rate when considering the urgency and potential complications involved.