Which term describes a faster than normal heart rate?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Ischemia
• C. Inflammation
• D. Necrosis

Answer: (A)

A faster than normal heart rate is described by tachycardia. The term comes from tachy- meaning fast and -cardia meaning heart, so it directly signals a rapid heartbeat. It can occur in everyday situations like exercise or stress, or as a sign of a medical issue if it’s persistent or accompanied by symptoms. The other terms refer to different processes: ischemia is a lack of adequate blood flow, inflammation is the immune response causing redness or swelling, and necrosis is tissue death. None of these describe a rapid heartbeat, so tachycardia is the correct term.