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

For the clearance evaluation, a cardiologist or primary care physician might run tests such as an electrocardiogram, an echocardiogram or a nuclear stress test to detect any irregularities or signs of disease, such as arrhythmias, valve problems or blockages. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025

Heart Disease In general, both congenital and acquired heart disease can cause symptoms due to arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), heart failure, and ischemia. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2024

Following the arrhythmia incident in Week 6, Harbaugh was checked out by doctors, who were able to get his heart beating back to a normal rate. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

Research suggests high levels can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias, while also raising blood pressure. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 14 Jan. 2025

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