What is a consistently rapid heartbeat referred to as?

A consistently rapid heartbeat is referred to as tachycardia. This term is used in medical contexts to indicate that the heart is beating at a rate higher than normal, typically defined as a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute in adults. Tachycardia can occur due to various factors, including stress, fever, anemia, or cardiac conditions, and it can be a normal physiological response to certain stimuli or a sign of an underlying health issue.

Understanding the term helps in recognizing the body’s response to demands placed upon it or potential health concerns. Knowing the terms associated with heart rate variations—such as bradycardia, which indicates a slower than normal heartbeat, atrial contractions, which refers to the contractions of the heart's atria, and arrhythmia, which describes irregular heart rhythms—can clarify the specific type of heart function or dysfunction being discussed.