An abnormal heartbeat is referred to as what?

An abnormal heartbeat is referred to as arrhythmia. This term encompasses a variety of irregular heartbeats, which can include a fast, slow, or irregular rhythm. Arrhythmias can affect how well the heart pumps blood and can lead to symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or even more severe complications.

Bradycardia and tachycardia are specific types of arrhythmias. Bradycardia refers to a slower than normal heart rate, while tachycardia refers to a faster than normal heart rate. Both of these conditions fall under the broader category of arrhythmias but do not encompass all abnormalities of heart rhythm. An aneurysm, on the other hand, is a different medical condition that involves the dilation or bulging of a blood vessel and does not pertain to heart rhythm at all. Thus, the correct terminology for an abnormal heartbeat is arrhythmia, capturing the full spectrum of irregular heart rates.