Which term describes a heart rate above normal range?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Hypertension
• C. Hypotension
• D. Tachycardia

Answer: (D)

A heart rate above the normal resting range is called tachycardia. At rest, normal adult heart rates are typically about 60 to 100 beats per minute; when the pulse rises above that range, it’s tachycardia. This can occur during exercise or fever, but if it happens at rest or is persistent, it may indicate dehydration, anemia, stress, infection, or a heart rhythm problem. By contrast, bradycardia means a slower-than-normal heart rate, while hypertension and hypotension refer to blood pressure levels, not heart rate. So the term that describes a heart rate above the normal resting range is tachycardia.