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Arythmia, also spelled arythmie, refers to an irregularity in the heart's electrical activity, which can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heartbeat. This condition can lead to a variety of symptoms, including palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath, and even fainting. Arythmias can be classified into several categories based on their origin and the heart's response to them. The most common types include:

1. Supraventricular arythmias, which originate above the atrioventricular (AV) node in the heart. Examples include sinus tachycardia and atrial fibrillation.

2. Ventricular arythmias, which originate in the ventricles. Examples include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation.

3. Junctional arythmias, which originate at the AV node. Examples include junctional tachycardia and junctional rhythm.

Arythmias can be caused by various factors, including heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, medications, and certain medical conditions. Diagnosis typically involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record the heart's electrical activity. Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the arythmia, and may include lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures such as cardioversion or ablation. In severe cases, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) may be recommended to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm.