arrhythmia

[ uh-rith-mee-uh, ey-rith- ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. any disturbance in the rhythm of the heartbeat.

arrhythmia

/ əˈrɪðmɪə /

noun

1. any variation from the normal rhythm in the heartbeat

arrhythmia

/ ə-rĭth′mē-ə /

1. An abnormal rhythm of the heart, often detectable on an electrocardiogram. Electrical impulses in the heart normally originate in the sinoatrial node of the right atrium during diastole and are transmitted through the atrioventricular node to the ventricles, causing the muscle contraction that usually occurs during systole. However, abnormalities of electrical conduction during diastole or systole can result in various alterations of the heartbeat, such as changes in heart rate, skipped or irregular beats, and fibrillation of the heart muscle, which can be life threatening. These electrical disturbances can be caused by metabolic abnormalities, inadequate blood supply (as in coronary artery disease), drug effects, chronic disease, and other factors. Arrhythmias are sometimes treated with the implantation of a pacemaker.

Other Words From

• arrhyth·mic [uh, -, rith, -mik, ey-, rith, -], ar·rhythmi·cal adjective
• ar·rhythmi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrhythmia¹

1885–90; < New Latin < Greek arrhythmía. See a- ⁶, rhythm, -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of arrhythmia¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek arrhuthmia, from a- ¹+ rhuthmos rhythm

Example Sentences

For humans, reactions can range from rashes, diarrhea, and sore throats to cardiac arrhythmia.

From Outside Online

There’s still lots to learn about exactly what’s happening with calcium in the arteries, arrhythmias, and heart scarring.

From Outside Online

It poured money into scientists asking whether these drugs reduced arrhythmia.

From Nautilus

And, finally, his heart “went into an arrhythmia and stopped pumping blood.”

From Washington Post

Six years later, as a member of the San Antonio Spurs, he missed two games because of a minor heart arrhythmia.

From Washington Post

First, a person might, for a variety of reasons, develop a fatal rhythm, an “arrhythmia.”

From The Daily Beast

He suffered from high blood pressure, a possible heart arrhythmia and high cholesterol.

From The Daily Beast