What defines bradycardia?

Bradycardia is defined as an abnormally slow heart rate, typically characterized by a resting heart rate that is below 60 beats per minute. This condition can be a normal physiological response in well-trained athletes, but it may also indicate an underlying health issue if it occurs alongside other symptoms. While the typical heart rate range for adults is between 60 to 100 beats per minute at rest, bradycardia specifically refers to the lower end of this spectrum or below.

The other options describe conditions that do not align with the clinical definition of bradycardia. A resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute indicates tachycardia, which is the opposite of bradycardia. A rapid heartbeat during exercise is a normal physiological response and is not considered a medical condition. Elevated blood pressure refers to hypertension, which is unrelated to heart rate itself.