A Level Biology Practice Exam

What is defined as a slow heart rhythm of below 60 beats per minute?

1. Tachycardia

2. Bradycardia

3. Arrhythmia

4. Palpitations

The correct answer is: Bradycardia

Bradycardia is defined as a slow heart rhythm characterized by a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. This condition can occur for various reasons, including heart disease, certain medications, or increased vagal tone, which may be a response to physical fitness or relaxation. In individuals who are well-trained athletes, bradycardia can be a normal finding as their heart becomes more efficient at pumping blood. Understanding bradycardia is important in clinical assessments as it can sometimes indicate underlying health issues that may require monitoring or intervention. In contrast, tachycardia refers to a fast heart rate exceeding 100 beats per minute, particularly at rest, and can signal different types of health concerns. Arrhythmia encompasses a broader range of irregular heartbeats, which can include both fast and slow rhythms, resulting in various types of cardiac irregularities. Palpitations describe the sensation of feeling the heart beating, which may or may not correlate with actual rhythm changes, and can occur in the presence of bradycardia, tachycardia, or normal heart rhythms. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing cardiovascular health.