What does an electrocardiogram (EKG) primarily measure?

What does an electrocardiogram (EKG) primarily measure?

• A. Blood pressure in the arteries
• B. The oxygen saturation of the blood
• C. The heart's electrical signals to diagnose lung function
• D. The heart's electrical activity to assess heartbeat

Answer: (D)

An electrocardiogram primarily measures the heart's electrical activity. The electrical impulses that coordinate each heartbeat are recorded by surface electrodes, producing waves that reflect atrial and ventricular depolarization and repolarization. This lets you assess heartbeat rate and rhythm, conduction problems, and patterns that suggest ischemia or infarction. It does not measure blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or lung function, which require different tests.

An electrocardiogram primarily measures the heart's electrical activity. The electrical impulses that coordinate each heartbeat are recorded by surface electrodes, producing waves that reflect atrial and ventricular depolarization and repolarization. This lets you assess heartbeat rate and rhythm, conduction problems, and patterns that suggest ischemia or infarction. It does not measure blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or lung function, which require different tests.