What does an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measure?

The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a crucial tool used in cardiology to assess the heart's function. It specifically measures the electrical activity of the heart over time. This electrical activity is generated by the heart's pacemaker cells and propagates through the heart muscle, prompting the cardiac chambers to contract and pump blood. The ECG provides a graphical representation of these electrical impulses, allowing healthcare professionals to analyze the rhythm, rate, and overall health of the heart.

Understanding this electrical activity is vital for diagnosing various cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other heart diseases. The data collected from an ECG can reveal important information about the timing and duration of each phase of the heartbeat, which is essential for evaluating the heart's rhythm and function.

In contrast, other choices relate to different aspects of cardiac assessment. The sound of the heartbeat pertains to auscultation and does not provide the electrical signals. Blood pressure measurement reflects the pressure exerted by circulating blood but does not capture electrical activity. Lastly, heart valve efficiency relates to the functionality and competence of the heart valves but is not something directly measured by an ECG. Each of these methods plays a role in cardiovascular assessment, but the ECG is uniquely focused on electrical