For clinical reference only — does not replace local trust guidelines or clinical judgement.
Vital Signs

Tachycardia

Tachycardia

Severity
HR
  • Mild
    100–130 bpm
  • Moderate
    130–150 bpm
  • Emergency
    > 150 or unstable
🚨 Life-Threatening — exclude first
If suspected, escalate now.
Unstable broad-complex tachycardia (VT)
Septic shock
Massive PE
Significant haemorrhage
Severe electrolyte derangement
❤️

Cardiac Causes

Sinus tachycardiaAF / atrial flutterSVTVT / broad complexAcute MI
🫁

Respiratory Causes

PEHypoxia from any causePneumothorax
📉

Shock states Causes

SepsisHypovolaemia / haemorrhageCardiogenic shock
🧬

Endocrine / Metabolic Causes

Thyrotoxicosis / thyroid stormHypoglycaemiaDKAPhaeochromocytoma
🌡️

Pain / Anxiety / Pyrexia Causes

Uncontrolled painAnxiety / agitationFever
💊

Drugs / Toxins / Withdrawal Causes

Salbutamol, theophyllineCocaine, amphetaminesCaffeine, anticholinergicsAlcohol / opioid withdrawal