Bradycardia means an abnormally slow heart rate. In adults, this is typically defined as a resting heart rate below 60 beats per minute, while in a fetus, a sustained heart rate below 110 beats per minute is considered bradycardia. On echocardiography, bradycardia affects the timing of valve movements, Doppler flow patterns, and overall cardiac output measurements. In obstetric ultrasound, fetal bradycardia can be a sign of fetal distress, congenital heart block, or other conditions requiring immediate medical attention. Sonographers should recognize bradycardia during any ultrasound examination that involves the heart, as it can significantly impact the interpretation of cardiac measurements and may indicate an underlying problem needing evaluation.
Sonography Term