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

Their concerns are wide-ranging — some have come in after receiving alerts of possible arrhythmias, others have concerns about sleep or possible apnea. —Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2025

The researchers analyzed subtypes of cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, arrhythmias and irregular heartbeat. —Shreya Srinivasan, NBC news, 11 July 2025

Beta-Blockers Beta-blockers are no longer considered a first-line, single-drug therapy for hypertension unless a patient has ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias. —Rafle Fernandez, Verywell Health, 10 June 2025

Having too much potassium, called hyperkalemia, can increase one’s risk of dangerous heart arrhythmias, Laffin said. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 25 June 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