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"Bradycardia is defined as"

a. A faster than normal heart rate.
b. A slower than normal heart rate.
c. Chest pain.
d. An irregular heartbeat.

2 Answers

1 vote

Final answer:

Bradycardia is a condition where the resting heart rate falls below 60 bpm, which can be normal in athletes but may require treatment if symptomatic. Tachycardia, conversely, is a faster than normal resting heart rate, above 100 bpm, which also may need treatment based on its etiology.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bradycardia is defined as b. A slower than normal heart rate. This is typically characterized by a resting heart rate that drops below 60 beats per minute in adults. While bradycardia can be a normal phenomenon in trained athletes, if associated with symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, or chest discomfort, it may indicate insufficient oxygenated blood being supplied by the heart. In such cases, treatment is necessary to address the underlying cause, which could range from problems with the heart's electrical system to metabolic disorders or the effect of certain medications. On the other hand, a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute is referred to as tachycardia. Treatments for heart arrhythmias may include medications, medical procedures such as the insertion of a pacemaker, or surgery, depending on the severity and cause of the condition.

User Neil Shweky
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5 votes

Final answer:

Bradycardia is defined as a slower than normal heart rate, when the resting rate is below 60 bpm. It can have internal or external causes, and treatment is driven by identifying and addressing these causes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bradycardia is defined as b. A slower than normal heart rate. Specifically, it refers to a condition where the resting heart rate drops below 60 beats per minute (bpm) in an adult. This contrasts with tachycardia, where the resting heart rate exceeds 100 bpm. While bradycardia can be normal in trained athletes and asymptomatic individuals, it may become clinically significant if symptoms like weakness, fatigue, dizziness, or chest discomfort are present, indicating insufficient oxygenation of the body's tissues.

In terms of management, treating bradycardia involves identifying and addressing the underlying causes, which can be related to issues within the heart like SA or AV node abnormalities, or external factors such as metabolic disorders or medication effects. In serious cases, a pacemaker may be required to maintain a normal heart rhythm and ensure proper heart function.

User Arnaudauroux
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