What is the condition called that results in a rapid heart rate of 150-250 beats per minute?

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is characterized by an abnormally fast heartbeat that originates above the ventricles, specifically in the atria or the atrioventricular node. The heart rate in SVT typically ranges from 150 to 250 beats per minute, which aligns with the condition described in the question.

The mechanism behind SVT often involves a reentrant circuit or other forms of accelerated rhythm that bypass the normal physiological pathways. This electrical disturbance can cause the heart to beat quickly without the usual regulatory mechanisms, leading to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, and in some cases, shortness of breath.

Other conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, may also present with rapid heart rates but are characterized by an irregular and often chaotic rhythm rather than the consistent, rapid rate of SVT. Ventricular tachycardia, while also involving rapid heart rates, originates in the ventricles and represents a more critical condition, requiring different management strategies. Bradycardia, on the other hand, refers to a slower-than-normal heart rate, which is the opposite of what is being described.