Which condition is characterized by a rapid heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute?

Tachycardia refers to a medical condition in which the heart beats at an unusually rapid rate, specifically greater than 100 beats per minute. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, exercise, medication, or underlying medical issues.

Understanding the characteristics of tachycardia is crucial for EMTs, as it can indicate potential health concerns that may require intervention. Monitoring the heart rate is a fundamental part of assessing a patient's cardiovascular status. Recognizing tachycardia early can lead to timely actions to stabilize the patient and address the underlying cause.

In contrast, bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute, while atrial fibrillation is a specific type of arrhythmia that may present with a rapid heart rate, but is not defined solely by the heart rate itself. Hypotension, on the other hand, relates to low blood pressure and does not directly pertain to heart rate.