noun

arrhythmia

/əˈrɪðmiə/ · say it: uh·RIH·mee·uh

an irregular heartbeat

In Medicine & Health

In more detail

an irregular heartbeat; a condition where the heart does not beat at a normal, steady rate

Examples

The patient was diagnosed with arrhythmia after the doctor noticed an irregular pulse.

How to use arrhythmia

Arrhythmia is a medical term used by healthcare professionals and in clinical contexts to describe any deviation from normal heart rhythm. It is more precise and technical than the colloquial 'irregular heartbeat,' and can refer to a wide range of conditions from benign to life-threatening. The condition may be asymptomatic or cause palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

Common phrases

cardiac arrhythmia
atrial arrhythmia
ventricular arrhythmia
suffer from arrhythmia
detect an arrhythmia
treat arrhythmia

Synonyms

irregular heartbeat · heart rhythm disorder · cardiac dysrhythmia · palpitations · atrial fibrillation

Word family

arrhythmic · arrhythmia

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse arrhythmia with dysrhythmia; while dysrhythmia is a more general medical term, arrhythmia is the standard clinical term for heart rhythm disorders.

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