arrhythmia

ar·rhyth·mia

noun \ā-ˈrith-mē-ə\

Definition of ARRHYTHMIA

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

Origin of ARRHYTHMIA

New Latin, from Greek, lack of rhythm, from arrhythmos unrhythmical, from a- + rhythmos rhythm

First Known Use: circa 1860

ar·rhyth·mia

noun \ā-ˈrith-mē-ə\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ARRHYTHMIA

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

arrhythmia

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Variation from the heartbeat's normal rate or rhythm, caused by problems in the heart's pacemaker or in nerves conducting its signals. Occasional arrhythmias are normal. Tachycardia is a fast regular rhythm; bradycardia is a slow rhythm. Premature atrial or ventricular beats are extra contractions in normal rhythm. Ongoing arrhythmia in some heart diseases can reduce the heart's ability to supply the body with blood and can lead to heart failure. Severe arrhythmias can trigger atrial fibrillation or ventricular fibrillation. Arrhythmias are detected by electrocardiography and treated by electric shock (often with an implanted pacemaker) or by drugs such as quinidine and digitalis.