What does bradycardia mean and when is it concerning?

Bradycardia means an abnormally slow heart rate, defined as below 60 beats per minute in adults. The term breaks into brady meaning slow and cardia meaning heart condition. Bradycardia is normal in well-trained athletes whose hearts pump efficiently at lower rates. It becomes concerning when it causes symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, fainting, or confusion, indicating the heart is not pumping enough blood to meet the body's needs. Causes include certain medications like beta blockers, hypothyroidism, electrolyte imbalances, and heart conduction disorders.