What is the medical term for a heart rate that is slower than normal?

Bradycardia is the medical term used to describe a heart rate that is slower than the normal range. In adults, a normal resting heart rate typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. When the heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute, it is classified as bradycardia. This condition can occur due to various reasons, including certain medications, heart conditions, or as a result of increased efficiency of the heart in athletes.

Understanding the distinction is important, as bradycardia can indicate potential health issues or may be a normal finding in some individuals. It is crucial to recognize the normal physiological limits of heart rates to assess the condition accurately. The other terms listed refer to different cardiovascular conditions; tachycardia refers to a faster than normal heart rate, hypertension relates to high blood pressure, and arrhythmia refers to irregular heartbeats, none of which describe a slower heart rate.