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

The overdoses can cause a range of harmful effects on the body, Felton said, including a high heart rate or arrhythmia and urinary retention that can cause renal or kidney dysfunction. —Ciara McCarthy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026

Wearables can also flag some serious conditions, like cardiac arrhythmia, which is an irregular heart rhythm that can increase the risk of a serious medical incident. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026

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

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