Final answer:
The term for an abnormally slow heart rate is bradycardia, which is characterized by a heart rate below 60 bpm in adults and requires treatment based on the root cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe an abnormally slow heart rate is bradycardia. In adults, a heart rate below 60 beats per minute (bpm) is considered bradycardia. It may be caused by a variety of factors, including inherent issues within the heart's SA or AV node, or external influences such as metabolic or endocrine disorders.
Treatment for bradycardia depends on the underlying cause and may involve implanting a pacemaker or administering supplemental oxygen. On the other hand, tachycardia refers to a heart rate that is too fast, over 100 bpm, and fibrillation involves a highly irregular and often rapid heart rhythm leading to ineffective pumping of the blood. Cardioversion is a medical procedure used to return an abnormal heartbeat to a normal rhythm.