What does tachyarrhythmia mean?
A tachyarrhythmia is an abnormally rapid heart rhythm, particularly one in which the beats occur irregularly. The term is used in clinical medicine as an umbrella description rather than as one precise diagnosis; depending on the ECG findings and the heart chamber involved, a tachyarrhythmia may be identified as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, or another rapid rhythm disorder. Symptoms can include palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest discomfort, and fainting, although some episodes cause few noticeable symptoms. The condition may be brief and intermittent or persistent, and its medical significance varies with its type and the affected person's underlying health. The word combines Greek roots meaning “fast” and “without rhythm,” reflecting the rapid and often disordered character of the heartbeat it describes.
nounA condition in which the heart beats abnormally quickly, especially when the rhythm is irregular. It is a general term covering several types of abnormally rapid heart rhythms.
- An abnormally rapid heart rhythm, especially one that is irregular.
- Any disorder characterized by an excessively fast heartbeat or heart rhythm.
"Her doctor diagnosed a tachyarrhythmia after the ECG showed an unusually fast and irregular heartbeat."
"The ECG revealed a tachyarrhythmia that required immediate treatment."
"The patient has a history of recurrent tachyarrhythmias during periods of exertion."
Used when referring to multiple cases, episodes, or distinct forms of the condition.
"Several common tachyarrhythmias cause palpitations and an irregular pulse."
Tachyarrhythmia is more than a fast heartbeat: it names a family of rapid heart rhythms that can range from brief episodes to emergencies requiring immediate treatment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tachyarrhythmia come from?
The word combines the combining form tachy-, derived from Greek tachys meaning “swift” or “rapid,” with arrhythmia, which comes from Greek arrhythmos meaning “without rhythm.” Related medical terms use the same prefix to indicate excessive speed, as in tachycardia and tachypnea. The combined form developed in modern medical usage to describe a family of abnormally rapid heart rhythms rather than one single rhythm disorder.
Related word forms
How tachyarrhythmia is actually used
This is a clinical term used primarily in medical contexts. It is broader than an ECG diagnosis of a specific rhythm disorder, so a tachyarrhythmia may subsequently be classified more precisely as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, or another condition.
Easily confused with tachyarrhythmia
Tachycardia means that the heart rate is abnormally fast and may describe either a regular or irregular rhythm, whereas tachyarrhythmia specifically emphasizes an abnormally rapid, typically irregular rhythm.