Question

When the heartbeat is slower than the normal rate of the heart (less than 60), this type of arrhythmias called

• A. \( \text{Bradycardia} \)
• B. \( \text{Tachycardia} \)
• C. \( \text{Arterial contraction} \)
• D. \( \text{Ventricular contraction} \)

Hint:

Remember: "brady-" means slow, "tachy-" means fast. Normal adult resting heart rate: 60–100 bpm. Below 60 bpm is bradycardia; above 100 bpm is tachycardia.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve this problem, let's dive into the details of what it means when the heartbeat is slower than the normal rate and identify the correct term for this type of arrhythmia.

1. What is a Normal Heart Rate?

A normal heart rate for adults at rest typically ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). An arrhythmia is any deviation from this normal rhythm, which can include heartbeats that are too fast, too slow, or irregular.

2. What is a Slower-Than-Normal Heartbeat?

When the heartbeat is slower than 60 bpm, it is considered slower than the normal rate. This condition is a specific type of arrhythmia characterized by a reduced heart rate, which can affect the body's ability to circulate blood effectively.

3. Analyzing the Term for This Arrhythmia:

The medical term for a heart rate slower than 60 bpm is a specific type of arrhythmia. Let's evaluate the provided options:

• Bradycardia: This term refers to a heart rate that is slower than normal, specifically less than 60 bpm. It is a well-defined type of arrhythmia.
• Tachycardia: This term refers to a heart rate that is faster than normal, typically over 100 bpm. It is the opposite of a slow heart rate and thus incorrect here.
• Arterial contraction: This is not a recognized medical term related to heart rhythm. Arteries are blood vessels, and their contraction is not associated with heart rate abnormalities.
• Ventricular contraction: This refers to the contraction of the ventricles (e.g., premature ventricular contractions), but it is not a term for a slow heart rate. It describes a specific event, not a general condition of slow heart rate.

4. Explanation of the Options:

- Option 1: Bradycardia – Correct, as bradycardia is the medical term for a heart rate slower than 60 bpm, fitting the description of this type of arrhythmia.
- Option 2: Tachycardia – Incorrect, as tachycardia describes a heart rate faster than 100 bpm, not slower than 60 bpm.
- Option 3: Arterial contraction – Incorrect, as this is not a medical term related to heart rhythm or arrhythmias.
- Option 4: Ventricular contraction – Incorrect, as it refers to specific heart contractions, not the condition of a consistently slow heart rate.

5. Why This Matters:

Identifying bradycardia as a type of arrhythmia is crucial for diagnosing and managing heart conditions. A slow heart rate can lead to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or fainting, and may require interventions such as a pacemaker in severe cases. Understanding the correct terminology aids in effective communication and treatment in medical settings.

6. Final Answer:

The type of arrhythmia when the heartbeat is slower than the normal rate (less than 60 bpm) is Bradycardia.