What term describes a condition of a slow heart rate?

Bradycardia is the medical term that specifically describes a condition where the heart rate is slower than normal, typically defined as a resting heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute. This term stems from the Greek word "bradys," meaning slow, and "kardia," meaning heart.

Recognizing bradycardia is important in clinical practice because a slow heart rate can lead to inadequate blood flow to the body's organs and tissues, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or fainting. Understanding this term allows healthcare professionals to communicate more effectively about patients' conditions and potential interventions.

The other terms presented do not describe a slow heart rate: Tachycardia refers to an elevated heart rate, Atrial Fibrillation is a specific type of irregular heart rhythm, and Arrhythmia describes any abnormal heart rhythm, including both fast and slow rates. Thus, bradycardia is the precise term for a slow heart rate.