What describes the situation when the heart is beating too quickly, above 100 bpm?

The situation described when the heart is beating too quickly, above 100 beats per minute, is known as sinus tachycardia. This condition typically occurs when the heart's electrical signals are functioning normally but the heart rate increases due to various factors such as exercise, stress, fever, or anemia. In sinus tachycardia, the rhythm originates from the sinus node, which is the natural pacemaker of the heart.

Recognizing sinus tachycardia is crucial in clinical settings because it indicates that the heart is working harder to meet the body's demands for oxygenated blood. By understanding the characteristics of sinus tachycardia, healthcare professionals can monitor patients effectively and determine if further investigation or intervention is needed based on the underlying cause of the elevated heart rate.