What does the prefix 'Tachy-' indicate?

The prefix 'Tachy-' comes from the Greek word "tachys," which means fast or swift. It is commonly used in medical terminology to denote something that is occurring at an increased rate. For example, the term "tachycardia" refers to an abnormally rapid heart rate. Understanding this prefix is essential for medical assistants as it helps in interpreting various medical terms that may be encountered in practice and in patient care scenarios. It’s important to be familiar with prefixes, as they provide critical information about the conditions or procedures they describe.