Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate of less than how many beats per minute?

• A. Less than 60 bpm
• B. More than 100 bpm
• C. Less than 40 bpm
• D. 60-80 bpm

Answer: (A)

Bradycardia means a slower-than-normal heart rate at rest. In adults, the normal resting range is roughly 60 to 100 beats per minute. When the rate drops below 60, it’s labeled bradycardia. This threshold is used because it marks a rate below the typical resting range. Some people, like well-trained athletes, may have resting rates just under 60 without issues, but the general definition remains a resting heart rate under 60. Rates under 40 describe more severe bradycardia and are more likely to cause symptoms, though they’re not the basic cutoff for the term. A heart rate of 60–80 bpm sits within normal limits and is not bradycardia, and a rate above 100 bpm is tachycardia.