A patient with a heart rate of 120 beats per minute likely has what condition?

A heart rate of 120 beats per minute indicates an elevated heart rate, which is classified as tachycardia. Tachycardia is defined as a resting heart rate that exceeds the normal range, typically considered to be above 100 beats per minute. In clinical practice, tachycardia can be a response to various stimuli such as stress, anxiety, fever, or underlying cardiac conditions. It is essential to evaluate the context in which this heart rate occurs to determine the appropriate management or treatment strategy.

In this scenario, while bradycardia refers to a slower-than-normal heart rate and would not be applicable here, normal sinus rhythm denotes a heart rate within the normal range, which clearly contrasts with the provided rate. Atrial fibrillation, characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, may also present with a rate around 120 beats per minute but is distinct as it typically features an irregularly irregular rhythm, which isn't confirmed solely by the heart rate of 120. Thus, the direct interpretation of a heart rate of 120 bpm signifies tachycardia.