What does the term "bradycardia" refer to?

Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, specifically defined as a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. This condition can have various causes, including increased vagal tone, certain medications, and underlying health issues such as heart disease. Understanding bradycardia is crucial for identifying potential cardiac problems, as a significantly low heart rate can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or even fainting. Therefore, identifying a heart rate under this threshold is vital for appropriate diagnosis and management in clinical practice.