Final answer:
Hospitalization is recommended for bradycardia when the resting heart rate falls below 50 bpm, especially if accompanied by symptoms indicating insufficient oxygenated blood delivery to the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hospitalization is recommended for bradycardia at less than 50 beats per minute (bpm). Bradycardia is a condition where the resting heart rate drops below 60 bpm; however, individuals usually remain asymptomatic as long as the heart rate is above 50 bpm. When other symptoms like weakness, fatigue, dizziness, chest discomfort, or respiratory distress are present, it indicates that the heart may not be delivering sufficient oxygenated blood to the body. If the bradycardia is serious and not responsive to other treatments, a pacemaker may be needed. Causes for bradycardia can be diverse, including issues with the heart's electrical system, such as SA or AV node problems, metabolic disorders, endocrine system pathologies, electrolyte imbalances, or even external factors like drug use and bed rest.