bradycardia

Full Definition

Bradycardia is a condition characterized by an abnormally slow heart rate, generally defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults at rest. It can be physiological (normal in athletes) or pathological (indicating underlying heart disease, medication effects, or other medical conditions). Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, or fainting. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and whether symptoms are present. The term comes from Greek 'bradys' (slow) and 'kardia' (heart).

In Context

• "The patient developed symptomatic bradycardia requiring pacemaker insertion." — Cardiology consultation
• "Beta-blocker therapy may cause bradycardia as a side effect." — Medication review