In terms of heart rate, what defines bradycardia?

Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate that is slower than normal, specifically fewer than 60 beats per minute. This condition can be a normal physiological response in well-trained athletes, where a lower resting heart rate is common due to enhanced cardiovascular efficiency. However, in other cases, bradycardia can indicate underlying health issues, especially if it leads to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or fainting.

Recognizing bradycardia is essential in clinical practice because it can affect the amount of blood being delivered to the body, which is critical in maintaining adequate oxygen supply to tissues. Thus, identifying a heart rate below 60 beats per minute is crucial for diagnosing and managing potentially serious cardiovascular conditions. Understanding these physiological thresholds is important for interpreting EKG readings and assessing a patient’s cardiac health.