Which term describes a heart rate slower than normal?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Arrhythmia

Answer: (B)

A heart rate slower than normal is described as bradycardia. Normal resting heart rate is roughly 60 to 100 beats per minute; when the rate falls below 60, we call it bradycardia. Tachycardia means a faster-than-normal rate (usually over 100 bpm). Hypertension refers to high blood pressure, not heart rate. Arrhythmia is any abnormal heart rhythm, which can be fast, slow, or irregular, but it doesn’t specify a slow rate by itself. So bradycardia is the term that fits a heart rate slower than normal. In some people, like well-trained athletes, bradycardia can be normal; in others, it may indicate an underlying conduction issue, especially if accompanied by symptoms.