Which arrhythmia is characterized by a regular but often faster than normal heart rate?

The characteristic of a regular but often faster than normal heart rate aligns with tachycardia. In tachycardia, the heart rate exceeds the normal resting range, often defined as being over 100 beats per minute in adults. This increase in heart rate can occur while maintaining a regular pattern, meaning the intervals between heartbeats are consistent.

Understanding this arrhythmia is crucial for monitoring and managing patients, as a faster heart rate may indicate underlying health issues or may be a response to physical or emotional stress. It is important to differentiate this from other conditions that may present with irregular rhythms or varying rates. For instance, bradycardia indicates a slower than normal heart rate, while atrial flutter can be regular but typically has a characteristic rapid and irregular pattern, and first-degree block does not primarily reference an increased heart rate but rather a delay in impulse conduction. Thus, tachycardia stands distinct in its regular but elevated heart rhythm.