Which of the following conditions is characterized by abnormally fast heartbeats?

Tachycardia is defined as a condition in which the heart beats at an abnormally rapid rate, typically over 100 beats per minute in adults. This elevated heart rate can occur in response to various causes, such as stress, exercise, fever, or underlying medical conditions. Understanding tachycardia is important because sustained high heart rates can lead to complications like decreased cardiac efficiency, increased risk of heart-related issues, or even more severe arrhythmias if not addressed.

Bradycardia, on the other hand, refers to an abnormally slow heart rate, generally defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Arrhythmia is a term that encompasses any irregular heartbeat, whether it's too fast, too slow, or erratic. Hypertension is specifically related to elevated blood pressure rather than heart rate. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and implications, making it vital to identify tachycardia accurately.