ClimateAugust 17, 2026

tachycardia

TAK-ih-KAR-dee-uh

Definition

A condition characterized by an abnormally rapid resting heart rate, often exacerbated by extreme environmental heat or stress.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'tachys' (meaning swift or fast) and 'kardia' (meaning heart), combined with the Latin suffix '-ia' to denote a medical condition.

In the news

The article mentions tachycardia as a secondary cause of death in a victim who suffered heat-related illness, highlighting how extreme heat complicates preexisting health conditions.

Protecting mature trees from storms and disease can reduce Chicago deaths, study finds

Read the full article ↗

Chicago Tribune

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