Which condition is characterized by an irregular heartbeat?

The condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat is arrhythmia. Arrhythmias refer to a variety of conditions where the heartbeat is either too fast, too slow, or irregular. This irregularity can manifest in several ways, such as skips, extra beats, or fluttering sensations in the chest. Arrhythmias can occur due to various factors, including structural heart issues, electrolyte imbalances, or ischemic heart disease. Recognizing arrhythmia is crucial because it can lead to complications like stroke or heart failure if not addressed properly.

While tachycardia is related to an increased heart rate, and bradycardia relates to a decreased heart rate, neither condition inherently implies an irregular pattern. Fibrillation refers specifically to a rapid, chaotic heartbeat that is a type of arrhythmia, but the term does not encompass the broader definition of irregular heartbeats as effectively as arrhythmia itself does. Thus, arrhythmia serves as the most comprehensive term to describe conditions with irregular heartbeats.