Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
bradycardia
Pronunciation: brad-ee-KAR-dee-ah
Abnormally slow heart rate, particularly concerning in premature infants.
Full Definition
Bradycardia refers to a heart rate below the normal range for age. In neonates, bradycardia is typically defined as a heart rate below 100 beats per minute, though the threshold may vary based on gestational age and clinical condition. In the NICU setting, bradycardia often accompanies apnea episodes and may require immediate intervention including stimulation, oxygen administration, or medication.
Usage
Usage note: Often appears in combination with apnea as 'apnea and bradycardia' or 'A's and B's'.
In Context
- "The monitor alarmed for bradycardia during the feeding attempt." — Nursing assessment
- "Bradycardia episodes decreased following caffeine administration." — Medical progress note
Also known as
slow heart rate
Contrasted with
tachycardia
Don't confuse with
apnea
tachycardia