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

That inflammatory response has also been linked to blood clots, arrhythmias, and higher risk of cardiovascular issues, even following a mild infection. —Stephanie Armour, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026

ICDs are implanted in people with ventricular arrhythmias, which can cause sudden cardiac arrest. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Jan. 2026

In January, an investigative report listed Naroditsky’s pending probable cause of death as cardiac arrhythmia and cardiac involvement in systemic sarcoidosis, according to documents obtained from the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

Daniel Naroditsky, one of the world’s greatest chess champions and a coach at the Charlotte Chess Center, died of cardiac arrhythmia, or an abnormal heartbeat, after ingesting methamphetamine and kratom, according to his autopsy report. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 21 Jan. 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