Which condition is indicated by a heart rate below 60 BPM?

A heart rate below 60 beats per minute (BPM) is a classic indicator of bradycardia. Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate and can be a normal physiological condition in some individuals, especially athletes who have well-conditioned hearts. However, in other contexts, bradycardia can indicate an underlying health issue, particularly if accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or fainting.

Recognizing bradycardia is important for EMTs and healthcare providers because it can affect cardiac output and may require medical intervention if symptomatic. Monitoring heart rates is a key skill for EMTs, making it essential to differentiate between bradycardia and other conditions related to heart rhythm or rate.

Tachycardia, on the other hand, refers to a heart rate above 100 BPM and would not be appropriate in this context. Arrhythmia encompasses any irregular heartbeat, which could include both bradycardia and tachycardia. Atrial fibrillation is a specific type of arrhythmia characterized by an irregular and often rapid heart rate, but it typically involves rates that can be much higher than 60 BPM.

Bradycardia is the condition that directly correlates with a heart rate below