Which term describes an abnormally rapid heart rate?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Arrhythmia
• D. Myocardial infarction

Answer: (A)

Tachycardia is the term for an abnormally rapid heart rate. In adults at rest, a heart rate over about 100 beats per minute is considered tachycardia. This distinguishes it from bradycardia, which is a slower-than-normal rate (often below 60 bpm). Arrhythmia refers to any abnormal heart rhythm, which can be fast, slow, or irregular, and isn’t specific to a rapid rate. Myocardial infarction is a heart attack, an acute event from blocked blood flow to the heart muscle, not a rhythm term.

In practice, recognizing tachycardia helps guide safe exercise and monitoring, ensuring the rate remains within appropriate limits and watching for symptoms accompanying a rapid rate.