What does bradycardia refer to in terms of heart rate?

Bradycardia refers to a condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal, specifically defined as less than 60 beats per minute (bpm). A heart rate in this range can occur in various situations, such as in well-trained athletes whose hearts are more efficient, but it can also indicate underlying health issues in other individuals. Understanding heart rate classifications is essential in assessing cardiac health and performance; therefore, recognizing that bradycardia is characterized by a heart rate lower than 60 bpm is crucial for accurate evaluation and diagnosis in both clinical and exercise settings.