What condition is indicated by a pulse rate of less than 60 bpm?

A pulse rate of less than 60 beats per minute is known as bradycardia. This condition can indicate that the heart is beating slower than normal, which can result from a variety of factors, including high physical conditioning, medication effects, or underlying medical conditions such as heart disease. It is important for healthcare professionals to recognize bradycardia because it may lead to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or fainting, especially if it occurs suddenly or is not a person's normal baseline.

In contrast, tachycardia refers to a pulse rate that exceeds the normal resting rate, typically over 100 bpm. Hypotension is characterized by abnormally low blood pressure, while hypertension is high blood pressure. Neither of these conditions directly relates to a slow heart rate. Understanding the significance of bradycardia and recognizing its implications is crucial for patient assessment and management in a healthcare setting.