What does the term "bradycardia" refer to?

Bradycardia refers specifically to a slower than normal heart rate, which is typically defined as a resting heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults. It is important to recognize that while a variety of heart rates can occur in different physiological and pathological states, bradycardia specifically indicates a reduction in heart rate compared to the normal range, which is generally considered to be between 60 and 100 beats per minute for adults.

In clinical practice, understanding bradycardia is crucial since it can be a normal finding in highly trained athletes or in certain sleep stages, but it can also indicate underlying health issues such as heart block or other conduction system abnormalities. Recognizing this helps healthcare providers assess the patient’s cardiac function and determine the required interventions if necessary.