What is the definition of 'bradycardia'?

Bradycardia is defined as an abnormally slow heart rate, which typically refers to a heart rate that is less than 60 beats per minute in adults. This condition can occur due to various factors, including increased vagal tone, certain medications, or underlying heart conditions. It’s important to differentiate bradycardia from other heart rate classifications, such as tachycardia, which denotes an abnormally fast heart rate, or a normal resting heart rate, which generally ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Moreover, an irregular heart rhythm pertains to arrhythmias where the heart beats at an inconsistent rate, which is distinct from the definition of bradycardia. Understanding these definitions is crucial for assessing cardiac health and determining appropriate interventions.