ABSTRACT
Measurement of the heart rate and the identification of the cardiac rhythm go hand in hand, as many abnormalities of heart rate result from arrhythmias. This chapter describes ways to measure the heart rate and the abnormalities that can affect it. Bradycardia is arbitrarily as a heart rate below 60/min. Identification of the cardiac rhythm and any conduction disturbances is essential. Tachycardia is arbitrarily as a heart rate above 100/min. When a patient presents with a tachycardia, begin by identifying the cardiac rhythm. Management of tachycardia depends on the underlying rhythm, and the treatment of the different arrhythmias. Asystole implies the absence of ventricular activity, and so the heart rate is zero. Asystole is a medical emergency and requires immediate diagnosis and treatment if the patient is to have any chance of survival.
