What medical condition is characterized by a slow heart rate of 60 beats per minute or less?

Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, specifically defined as a heart rate of 60 beats per minute or less. This condition can occur in various scenarios, including during sleep, in athletes, or due to certain medical conditions affecting the heart's electrical system. It's important to recognize bradycardia because, in some cases, it may not present any symptoms and may not require treatment, while in other situations, it could lead to significant health issues if it affects the heart's ability to pump sufficient blood to the body.

Hypertension involves high blood pressure and does not pertain to heart rate. Tachycardia describes a condition where the heart rate is elevated, typically over 100 beats per minute, which is the opposite of bradycardia. Arrhythmia is a broader term that encompasses any irregularity in heart rhythm, which can include both tachycardia and bradycardia, but it does not specifically define a slow heart rate. This distinction is essential in understanding the specific nature of bradycardia as a slow heart rate condition.