What is the firing rate of junctional tachycardia?

Junctional tachycardia is characterized by a firing rate that typically falls within the range of 100 to 150 beats per minute. This arrhythmia originates from the area around the AV node, or junction, which can take over as a pacemaker when the sinus node fails to function appropriately or when there is increased vagal tone. The rate of 100-150 bpm distinguishes junctional tachycardia from other junctional rhythms, which generally have slower rates.

In assessing the various choices, the range of 40-60 bpm describes junctional escape rhythms, which occur when the sinus node is not firing adequately, and the junctional tissue acts as a backup pacemaker at a lower rate. A range of 60-100 bpm also refers to junctional rhythms that are more stable but not characterized by increased firing rates associated with tachycardia. A rate of 150-200 bpm would be indicative of a different condition, such as atrial flutter or supraventricular tachycardia, rather than junctional tachycardia.