What is tachycardia?

• A. An abnormally low heart rate
• B. An abnormally high resting heart rate
• C. A normal heart rate
• D. A heart rate below 60 beats per minute

Answer: (B)

Tachycardia refers to an abnormally high resting heart rate, typically defined as a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute in adults. This condition can occur in response to various factors such as stress, anxiety, fever, anemia, or underlying heart conditions. Understanding tachycardia is crucial as it may indicate significant cardiovascular issues that require further investigation and management.

The other options describe different conditions related to heart rate but do not accurately define tachycardia. For instance, an abnormally low heart rate reflects bradycardia, while a normal heart rate varies based on factors like age and fitness level, typically ranging from 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults. Lastly, a heart rate below 60 beats per minute confirms bradycardia rather than tachycardia, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between different heart rate conditions for proper clinical assessment.