What can be inferred if an EKG shows signs of bradycardia?

When an EKG shows signs of bradycardia, it indicates that the heart rate is slower than normal, specifically defined as a resting heart rate of fewer than 60 beats per minute in adults. This reduced heart rate can result from various factors, such as increased vagal tone, certain medications, or inherent conduction system issues. Understanding bradycardia is essential since it can affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently, potentially leading to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or even more severe complications depending on the individual’s health status and presence of other conditions.

Identifying bradycardia on an EKG is crucial for diagnosis and management, as it often requires monitoring or intervention to determine if the slowed heart rate is a symptom of an underlying issue or just a benign finding, especially in well-conditioned athletes.