What is the term for a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute?

The term for a heart rate less than 60 beats per minute is Sinus Bradycardia. This condition occurs when the heart's natural pacemaker (the sinoatrial node) produces impulses at a slower rate than normal, leading to a reduced heart rate. Sinus Bradycardia can be a normal physiological response in some individuals, particularly athletes or during sleep, but it can also indicate an underlying medical issue that may require further evaluation.

In contrast, Sinus Tachycardia refers to an increased heart rate of over 100 beats per minute, which indicates that the heart is working harder than normal. Atrial Flutter is characterized by a rapid, yet regular, heart rhythm often leading to a heart rate that can exceed 100 beats per minute. Asystole represents a state of no electrical activity in the heart, which leads to a complete absence of heartbeats. Understanding these definitions is crucial for recognizing different cardiac conditions and their implications for patient health.