Which term means a slow heart rate?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tachypnea
• C. Hematuria
• D. Peripheral edema

Answer: (A)

Slow heart rate is called bradycardia. The prefix brady- means slow, and cardia refers to the heart, so the term literally describes a heart beating more slowly than normal. In adults, a resting heart rate below about 60 beats per minute is considered bradycardia, though in some people, like well-trained athletes, it can be normal. If the heart is beating too slowly, it may cause symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue because not enough blood is reaching the brain and other organs. The other terms point to different problems: tachypnea means rapid breathing, not a slow heart rate; hematuria is blood in the urine; peripheral edema is swelling of the limbs due to fluid buildup.