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

But early studies suggest using ibogaine impacts your heart, sometimes leading to a fatal arrhythmia. —Olivia Young, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

The beta-blocker was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1967 for the treatment of heart problems including high blood pressure, arrhythmia (irregular heart rate) and angina. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Apr. 2026

There is some evidence suggesting that ibogaine carries serious safety risks, particularly a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm known as arrhythmias, along with neurologic and gastrointestinal side effects. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026

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

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