What characterizes tachycardia?

Tachycardia is characterized specifically by a rapid heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute. This condition can arise in response to various factors, including exercise, stress, pain, or underlying medical conditions. When the heart rate is over 100 beats per minute, it suggests that the heart is beating faster than normal, which can be a physiological response or may indicate an issue that needs to be addressed.

The other options describe different heart rate conditions. A heart rate under 60 beats per minute is referred to as bradycardia, while a heart rate between 60 and 100 beats per minute is considered normal. A consistent heart rate, on the other hand, does not indicate either tachycardia or bradycardia; it may simply signify a stable rhythm but does not define a rapid heart rate. Understanding the distinction between these terms is crucial for identifying and managing different heart rate abnormalities.