Which description defines sinus tachycardia?

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Multiple Choice

Which description defines sinus tachycardia?

Sinus tachycardia means the heart is beating faster than normal but still under the control of the sinus node, preserving a normal sequence of atrial depolarization. Key signs are P waves that are present and normal, a normal PR interval, and a regular rhythm, all while the rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. The QRS complexes are usually narrow unless there’s an additional conduction issue. So the description “heart rate above 100 with normal P waves and a regular rhythm” matches this pattern. The other descriptions point to different rhythms: normal-rate rhythm with normal P waves and PR interval describes normal sinus rhythm, irregular rhythm with no P waves suggests atrial fibrillation, and wide complex tachycardia indicates ventricular origin or aberrant conduction rather than sinus tachycardia.

Sinus tachycardia means the heart is beating faster than normal but still under the control of the sinus node, preserving a normal sequence of atrial depolarization. Key signs are P waves that are present and normal, a normal PR interval, and a regular rhythm, all while the rate exceeds 100 beats per minute. The QRS complexes are usually narrow unless there’s an additional conduction issue.

So the description “heart rate above 100 with normal P waves and a regular rhythm” matches this pattern. The other descriptions point to different rhythms: normal-rate rhythm with normal P waves and PR interval describes normal sinus rhythm, irregular rhythm with no P waves suggests atrial fibrillation, and wide complex tachycardia indicates ventricular origin or aberrant conduction rather than sinus tachycardia.

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