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

The term for a heart rate below 60 beats per minute is bradycardia. This condition signifies a slower-than-normal heartbeat, which can occur for various reasons, including increased vagal tone or underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or heart block. Bradycardia is often characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or fainting, particularly if the heart rate is significantly low or if there is an accompanying reduction in cardiac output. Understanding this terminology is crucial, especially in a clinical setting, as it helps practitioners recognize and manage potential cardiovascular issues effectively. In contrast, tachycardia refers to a heart rate above the normal range, while arrhythmia describes an irregular heartbeat, and palpitations refer to the sensation of feeling one's heart racing, fluttering, or pounding, rather than a specific measurement of heart rate.