disturbed heart

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbed heart" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of emotional turmoil or distress, often in a poetic or metaphorical context. Example: "After hearing the news, she felt a deep ache in her chest, a truly disturbed heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Christine McGowan, 52, from Worksop in Nottinghamshire, probably died of coronary arrhythmia, a disturbed heart rhythm, the GMC was told.

The Guardian

As his writing has turned ever sketchier, leaping with a seemingly effortless rapidity to the disturbed heart of the story, his direction has brightened and turned brisk and clear — as if the oil paint's impasto had loosened to a translucent wash.

The New Yorker

Studies have shown O3 exposure to be associated with disturbed heart rate variability (Kop et al. 2001; Park et al. 2005; Utell et al. 2002).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It can also cause the arteries to constrict, disturb heart rhythm and lead to inflammation.

The New York Times - Health

Now products labeled ephedra-free, bitter orange among them, contain related chemicals that, like ephedra, may also raise blood pressure and disturb heart rhythms, possibly leading to heart attacks, strokes and death.

The New York Times - Health

It took me forever (it seems!) to realize that rushing and the sense of anxiety that comes from it, always disturbed my heart rhythms and sense of peace.

Huffington Post

Several animal models as well as functional analyses of human tissue samples have persuasively shown that Ca2+ cycling is profoundly disturbed in heart failure (Fig.  2).

Heart Failure Reviews

All of these can disturb the heart rhythm, causing it to overwork and then stop.

The Guardian - Music

It's disturbing my heart," he said.

BBC

The little scar that emerges blocks interfering signals that disturb the heart rhythm".

Science Magazine

Black bears commonly elicit defensive posturing and high respiratory rates within seconds of being disturbed, with their hearts transitioning from the quiescent state of hibernation, to supporting bursts of activity [ 18].

BMC Physiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disturbed heart" in a metaphorical context, ensure the surrounding language clearly indicates whether you are referring to emotional distress or a physical ailment. Providing context will avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbed heart" without proper context, as it can be misinterpreted. It's easy to conflate emotional distress with actual heart conditions. Be specific to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbed heart" functions primarily as an adjective-noun combination. The adjective "disturbed" modifies the noun "heart", describing its condition. Ludwig examples show it referring to both emotional states and physical heart conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disturbed heart" is a grammatically correct and understandable expression used to describe emotional distress or a physical heart condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often used in both News & Media and scientific contexts. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys a sense of unease or abnormality related to the heart. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing adequate context to distinguish between emotional and physical meanings. Alternatives like "troubled heart" or "unsettled heart" can offer similar connotations depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubled heart

Focuses on the emotional aspect of the heart being bothered or worried.

unsettled heart

Highlights the lack of peace or stability in the heart's condition, either emotionally or physically.

agitated heart

Emphasizes the heart's state of being restless or uneasy.

restless heart

Similar to agitated, but implies a deeper, more persistent unease.

perturbed heart

A more formal way of saying disturbed, indicating a feeling of anxiety or concern.

disquieted heart

Implies a loss of peace and tranquility within the heart.

heart in turmoil

Shifts the focus to a state of internal chaos and emotional upheaval affecting the heart.

heart in distress

Highlights the suffering and pain experienced by the heart, whether physical or emotional.

tormented heart

Suggests a more intense and prolonged suffering of the heart.

afflicted heart

Indicates that the heart is suffering from some kind of ailment or burden.

FAQs

How can I use "disturbed heart" in a sentence?

You can use "disturbed heart" to describe emotional turmoil, as in "After hearing the news, she felt a deep ache in her chest, a truly disturbed heart." Or, it can refer to a physical heart condition, like "The doctor diagnosed a coronary arrhythmia, a type of disturbed heart rhythm."

What can I say instead of "disturbed heart"?

You can use alternatives like "troubled heart", "unsettled heart", or "agitated heart" depending on the context.

Is "disturbed heart" a formal or informal expression?

"Disturbed heart" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and intended meaning. It is more common in literary or descriptive writing and is not considered a highly technical term.

What causes a "disturbed heart" rhythm?

A "disturbed heart" rhythm, or arrhythmia, can be caused by various factors, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, congenital heart defects, diabetes, stress, or certain medications.