What is the difference between bradycardia and tachycardia?

Hello, I'm a medical professional with a focus on cardiology. I can help explain the differences between bradycardia and tachycardia. Bradycardia and tachycardia are both conditions related to the heart rate, but they represent opposite extremes of heart rate variability. Bradycardia is a condition where the heart rate is slower than normal. For adults, a heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute (BPM) is generally considered bradycardic. However, in well-trained athletes and some individuals, a lower heart rate can be normal due to a more efficient heart function. Bradycardia can be asymptomatic or cause symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness, depending on the cause and severity. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is a condition where the heart rate is faster than normal. An adult heart rate that exceeds 100 BPM is typically classified as tachycardic. Tachycardia can be a result of various factors, including stress, exercise, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions like anemia, hyperthyroidism, or heart disease. Symptoms may include palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and lightheadedness or fainting. It's important to note that both bradycardia and tachycardia can be harmless or indicative of a more serious health issue, depending on the context and the individual's overall health.

The irregular beats can either be too slow (bradycardia) or too fast (tachycardia). Bradycardia is a very slow heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute.What Is the Difference between Tachycardia and Bradycardia?