What does arrhythmia refer to?

Arrhythmia specifically refers to an abnormal rhythm of the heartbeat, which can manifest as an irregular heartbeat. This means that the heart may beat too quickly, too slowly, or erratically, disrupting the normal pattern. The term encompasses a variety of heart rhythm disorders but is fundamentally rooted in the concept of irregularity. In a clinical context, recognizing an arrhythmia is crucial as it can have significant implications for cardiovascular health and may require medical intervention.

In contrast, rapid heartbeat, slow heartbeat, and weak pulse are specific conditions or symptoms that might occur separately but do not capture the broader definition of arrhythmia. Thus, the term focuses more on the irregularity of the heart's rhythm itself rather than the rate or strength alone.