What is Bradycardia?

Bradycardia refers specifically to an abnormally slow heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute. This condition can arise from various factors, such as increased vagal tone, certain medical conditions, or the effect of specific medications. When the heart rate is slower than normal, it can lead to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and even fainting if the heart is not pumping enough blood to the body. This understanding is crucial for recognizing and addressing bradycardia in both clinical and emergency settings.

The other options relate to different cardiovascular conditions; for instance, high blood pressure refers to hypertension, an entirely different issue. An abnormally fast heart rate, known as tachycardia, represents yet another contrast, while an irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, involves various patterns of heartbeats without being specific to speed.