When breathing slows or stops, it leads to bradycardia, a slow heart rhythm of fewer than how many beats per minute?

Bradycardia is defined as a heart rate that is slower than normal. In adults, this is typically characterized by a resting heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute. When breathing slows or ceases, it can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the body, which can then trigger the heart to slow down as a compensatory mechanism, resulting in bradycardia.

The threshold of 60 beats per minute is well-established in clinical practice and aligns with guidelines for identifying bradycardia. By understanding this connection, it becomes clear that recognizing a heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute is crucial for assessing the condition and responding appropriately when someone experiences respiratory distress or failure.