What is defined as bradycardia?

Bradycardia is defined as a slower than normal heart rate, specifically when the heart beats less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). This threshold is significant because it indicates that the heart may not be pumping efficiently enough to meet the body's needs, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, or fatigue. In a clinical context, identifying bradycardia is important for assessing a patient's cardiac function and determining the need for further evaluation or intervention. The other choices provided describe different heart rate conditions; for instance, a heart rate greater than 100 bpm indicates tachycardia, and rates exceeding 120 bpm might suggest more severe forms of tachycardia. Simply put, bradycardia is characterized by a heart rate falling below the recognized normal range, highlighting its distinct definition within cardiac assessment.