What is characterized by a rapid heartbeat?

Tachycardia is characterized by a rapid heartbeat, typically defined as a resting heart rate that exceeds 100 beats per minute in adults. This condition can occur in response to various factors such as stress, anxiety, fever, anemia, or as a result of certain medical conditions. It is crucial to understand that tachycardia can be a normal response in certain situations, but it can also indicate an underlying health issue that might require medical attention.

Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, which is opposite of the definition of tachycardia. Arrhythmia is a general term encompassing various irregularities in heart rhythm, which can include both tachycardia (fast rhythms) and bradycardia (slow rhythms). Palpitations describe the sensation of feeling the heart beating or fluttering in the chest, but they do not specifically quantify the heart rate. Thus, the distinct characteristic of a rapid heartbeat aligns accurately with the definition of tachycardia.