Which condition is characterized by a heart rate over 100 beats per minute?

The condition characterized by a heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute is tachycardia. This term specifically refers to an abnormally fast heart rate, with the threshold set at greater than 100 bpm. Tachycardia can arise from various factors, including physiological responses to stress, fever, or underlying cardiovascular issues.

In a clinical context, tachycardia may indicate the heart's attempt to maintain adequate blood flow during times of increased demand. It is often further classified into different types, such as atrial tachycardia or ventricular tachycardia, depending on the location of the rapid heartbeat in the heart's electrical conducting system.

Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, typically under 60 bpm, while normal sinus rhythm signifies a heart rate within the typical range of 60 to 100 bpm. Arrhythmia is a broader term that encompasses irregular heart rhythms, which may include both tachycardia and bradycardia, but does not specifically indicate a rate over 100 bpm. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in the assessment and management of cardiac conditions.