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

Research over the past decade has shown frequent users of potent marijuana are at risk for strokes, heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026

One of the most impressive things a wearable can do is detect a cardiac arrhythmia, which is an irregular heart rhythm that can increase the risk of having a serious medical incident. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 20 Apr. 2026

There is some evidence suggesting that ibogaine carries serious safety risks, particularly a dangerous irregular heart rhythm known as arrhythmias which can be fatal, along with neurologic and gastrointestinal side effects. —Nicholas Kerr, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026

It's also not advised for people with pre-existing conditions, such as heart disease, arrhythmia, hypertension, anxiety, liver disease, or kidney disease, because the ingredients in pre-workout may worsen baseline symptoms, Cole said. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 13 Mar. 2026

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