arrhythmia

noun

ar·​rhyth·​mia ā-ˈrit͟h-mē-ə 

: an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force

Examples of arrhythmia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These impacts on the cardiovascular system may result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, heart attacks, and cardiac arrest. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

People with arrhythmias or heart block because beta-blockers can slow the heart rate, which may worsen some types of arrhythmias. —Sara Hoffman, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 2024

And chronic deficits have been linked to health problems like dementia, cancer, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease (including stroke, heart failure, and arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm). —Caroline Tien, SELF, 3 Oct. 2024

The disease can lead to cardiac complications such as heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke and sudden cardiac death. —Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek arrhythmía "lack of rhythm," from árrhythmos "lacking rhythm, unrhythmical" + -ia -ia entry 1 — more at arrhythmic

First Known Use

circa 1860, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing arrhythmia

• anti-arrhythmia

Medical Definition

arrhythmia

noun

ar·​rhyth·​mia ā-ˈrit͟h-mē-ə 

: an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force