arrhythmia

noun

ar·​rhyth·​mia ā-ˈrit͟h-mē-ə How to pronounce arrhythmia (audio)
: an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force

Examples of arrhythmia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Before Saffold had surgery at the hospital the next day, his EKG showed a sinus arrhythmia, a delay in the right ventricle, and a possible septal infarction, the lawsuit alleges. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 14 June 2025 Weed has also been linked to cardiac arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation; myocarditis — an inflammation of the heart muscle — spasms of the heart’s arteries and a higher risk of heart failure. Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 5 May 2025 Tips For Getting Started According to Aguiar, walking can reduce the risk of arrhythmias and other heart problems in three ways. Simon Spichak, Health, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for arrhythmia

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of arrhythmia was circa 1860

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arrhythmia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arrhythmia. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Medical Definition

arrhythmia

noun
ar·​rhyth·​mia ā-ˈrit͟h-mē-ə How to pronounce arrhythmia (audio)
: an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force

More from Merriam-Webster on arrhythmia

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