What does tachycardia indicate?

Tachycardia is defined as a condition where the heart rate exceeds the normal resting rate, typically recognized when the heart beats over 100 beats per minute in adults. It indicates a fast heart rate and can be a physiological response to various stimuli such as exercise, stress, fever, anemia, or underlying medical conditions like arrhythmias. Understanding tachycardia is crucial in emergency settings, as it can be a sign of significant underlying issues that may require immediate intervention.

The other options provided do not accurately describe tachycardia. A slow heart rate would be categorized as bradycardia, while a normal heart rate falls within the range of 60-100 beats per minute. An irregular heart rate suggests the heart rhythms are inconsistent, which is not inherently the same as being fast. Thus, tachycardia specifically points to the heart rate being faster than normal.