What is a common implication of bradycardia for a patient?

Bradycardia, defined as a heart rate slower than 60 beats per minute, can often lead to reduced cardiac output and insufficient blood flow to various organs, including the brain. This diminished perfusion can manifest as symptoms like fatigue or dizziness, especially when the patient exerts themselves or changes positions rapidly.

The body relies on an adequate heart rate to maintain optimal blood circulation and meet the metabolic demands of tissues. When bradycardia occurs, these demands may not be met effectively, resulting in the patient feeling weaker or more tired than usual. Dizziness can also occur due to transient drops in blood pressure or hypoperfusion. Therefore, the correct choice reflects these typical manifestations of bradycardia, which are important considerations for managing patients with this condition.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the physiological realities of bradycardia. Feeling energetic would be unusual, increased physical activity is generally not indicated until the condition is resolved, and dietary adjustments involving protein intake are not typically relevant to the implications of bradycardia.