Which term refers to heart beating faster than normal, a type of arrhythmia?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Atrial fibrillation
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Arrhythmia

Answer: (C)

Tachycardia is the term for a heart that’s beating faster than normal. It’s a type of arrhythmia because it reflects an abnormal heart rhythm, specifically an elevated rate. In adults, a resting heart rate over about 100 beats per minute is considered tachycardia.

Bradycardia describes a slower-than-normal heart rate. Arrhythmia is the broad umbrella term for any irregular heart rhythm, not specifically a fast rate. Atrial fibrillation is a particular kind of irregular, often rapid rhythm, but the question asks for the general term for a fast heart rate, which is tachycardia.