What is the medical term for a rapid heartbeat exceeding 100 beats per minute in an adult?

The medical term for a rapid heartbeat exceeding 100 beats per minute in an adult is tachycardia. This condition signifies that the heart is beating faster than the normal resting rate, which typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Tachycardia can be a response to various factors such as exercise, stress, anxiety, or medical conditions. It is important for healthcare providers to determine the underlying causes of tachycardia, as it can indicate an underlying health issue that may require treatment or monitoring.

In contrast, other terms refer to different cardiac conditions. Bradycardia describes a slower-than-normal heart rate, arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats, and cardiac arrest is a critical condition where the heart stops beating effectively, leading to cessation of blood flow. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing and appropriately responding to various cardiovascular conditions.