Which statement accurately defines bradycardia?

Which statement accurately defines bradycardia?

• A. Bradycardia is a resting heart rate of 60 BPM or Lower
• B. Bradycardia is a resting heart rate of 100 BPM or Higher
• C. Bradycardia is a resting heart rate of 70-90 BPM
• D. Bradycardia is not related to heart rate

Answer: (A)

Bradycardia is a slower-than-normal heart rate. In adults, a resting heart rate at or below 60 beats per minute defines bradycardia. This threshold helps distinguish it from normal variation, especially in athletes who may naturally have lower resting rates. Bradycardia becomes clinically important when the slow rate causes symptoms like dizziness or fatigue or reflects an underlying issue such as conduction system disease, hypothyroidism, or medication effects. The other statements describe a heart rate that is too fast, a normal resting range, or imply no relation to heart rate, which do not define bradycardia.

Bradycardia is a slower-than-normal heart rate. In adults, a resting heart rate at or below 60 beats per minute defines bradycardia. This threshold helps distinguish it from normal variation, especially in athletes who may naturally have lower resting rates. Bradycardia becomes clinically important when the slow rate causes symptoms like dizziness or fatigue or reflects an underlying issue such as conduction system disease, hypothyroidism, or medication effects. The other statements describe a heart rate that is too fast, a normal resting range, or imply no relation to heart rate, which do not define bradycardia.