What is the general term for an irregular heartbeat?

An irregular heartbeat is referred to as arrhythmia. This term encompasses any deviation from the normal rhythm of the heart, which can manifest in various forms, including irregular, too fast, or too slow heartbeats. This broad classification allows for the identification of a range of conditions that can affect the heart’s pacing and rhythm, making it a crucial term in the context of cardiovascular health.

Bradycardia describes a slower than normal heart rate, while tachycardia refers to a faster than normal heart rate; both are specific types of arrhythmias. Palpitations, on the other hand, are sensations that may arise from arrhythmias and are experienced as noticeable heartbeats, but they do not encompass the complete range of irregular heart rhythms.