Arrhythmia is a medical condition that affects the rhythm of the heart. It can be a serious and life-threatening condition, and it can affect people of all ages. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of arrhythmia, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
Arrhythmia is a term used to describe an irregular heartbeat. It can occur when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or in an irregular pattern. There are several types of arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, and bradycardia.
Origin
The word arrhythmia comes from the Greek words “a-” meaning “without” and “rhythmos” meaning “rhythm.” The term was first used in the 19th century to describe irregular heartbeats.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, arrhythmia is defined as “an irregularity in the force or rhythm of the heartbeat.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “an abnormality in the rhythm of the heart.”
Associations
Arrhythmia can be associated with several medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.
Synonyms
Synonyms for arrhythmia include irregular heartbeat, abnormal heartbeat, and cardiac dysrhythmia.
Antonyms
Antonyms for arrhythmia include regular heartbeat and normal heart rhythm.
The same root words
Words with the same root as arrhythmia include rhythm, rhythmic, and arrhythmic.
Example Sentences
- The patient was diagnosed with arrhythmia and was immediately referred to a cardiologist.
- The medication caused an arrhythmia in the patient’s heart, which required immediate attention.
- The doctor monitored the patient’s arrhythmia and adjusted their medication accordingly.
- The patient’s arrhythmia was successfully treated with a pacemaker implant.