Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly or too fast or too slow. It can occur due to various reasons such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or electrolyte imbalances. This condition can be harmless or life-threatening, depending on the severity of the condition. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of arrhythmia in detail.
Definitions
Arrhythmia is defined as an abnormal heart rhythm that can be caused by various factors such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or electrolyte imbalances. It can be characterized by a slow heartbeat, a fast heartbeat, or an irregular heartbeat.
Origin
The word arrhythmia is derived from the Greek words “a-” meaning without and “rhythmos” meaning rhythm. The term was first used in the medical field in the early 20th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, arrhythmia is defined as “an alteration in rhythm of the heartbeat either in time or force.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines arrhythmia as “an abnormality in the rhythm of the heartbeat.”
Associations
Arrhythmia is associated with various conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and thyroid problems. It can also be caused by certain medications or recreational drugs.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of arrhythmia include irregular heartbeat, abnormal heart rhythm, and cardiac dysrhythmia.
Antonyms
There are no antonyms for arrhythmia as it is a medical condition.
The same root words
Some words that have the same root as arrhythmia include rhythm, rhythmic, and arrhythmic.
Example Sentences
- The patient was diagnosed with arrhythmia and was prescribed medication to regulate his heartbeat.
- The doctor monitored the patient’s arrhythmia and adjusted his medication accordingly.
- The athlete was advised to avoid certain medications that could cause arrhythmia during his training.
- The patient’s arrhythmia was caused by an electrolyte imbalance, which was treated with intravenous fluids.
- The patient’s arrhythmia was life-threatening and required immediate medical attention.