bradycardia
Pronunciation: brad-ee-CAR-dee-ah
Abnormally slow heart rate that varies by age group in pediatric patients, often indicating hypoxia or other serious conditions in children.
Full Definition
Bradycardia in pediatric critical care refers to heart rates below the normal range for a child's age, with specific cutoffs varying from less than 60 bpm in adolescents to less than 80 bpm in infants. Unlike adults, bradycardia in children is often a late and ominous sign, frequently indicating severe hypoxia, acidosis, or impending cardiac arrest. Pediatric bradycardia requires immediate assessment and intervention, as children typically respond to stress with tachycardia rather than bradycardia. Common causes include respiratory failure, drug effects, electrolyte imbalances, and congenital heart disease.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify age-appropriate normal ranges when documenting in pediatric contexts.
In Context
- "The toddler's bradycardia to 45 bpm prompted immediate resuscitation measures." — Emergency response documentation
- "Age-specific bradycardia definitions are essential for accurate pediatric cardiac monitoring." — Nursing protocol