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

Exposure to long-term pollution accelerates the buildup of plaque in the arteries around the heart, increases the chances of heart failure and arrhythmias, and increases the likelihood of strokes. —Alejandra Borunda, NPR, 23 Apr. 2025

Yet research shows that regular users of marijuana are at risk for serious conditions, including strokes, heart attacks, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and myocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart muscle. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2025

Just before kickoff of a Week 6 game at the Denver Broncos, Harbaugh experienced a heart arrhythmia. —Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

The mechanics of it are putting certain populations are at risk of like arrhythmias and heart attacks and blood clots and all these other things that are cardiac. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 8 Apr. 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