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

The Russian authorities attributed his death to a series of diseases aggravated by heart arrhythmia, a conclusion that was strongly rejected by his family and allies, who blamed the Kremlin for his death. —Nataliya Vasilyeva, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025

The 60-year-old left the sideline with arrhythmia, which is otherwise known as irregular heartbeat. —Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 17 Oct. 2024

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

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