The abbreviation ECG (EKG) refers to which diagnostic test?

The abbreviation ECG (EKG) refers to which diagnostic test?

• A. Echocardiogram
• B. Electrocardiogram
• C. Electroencephalogram
• D. Electromyography

Answer: (B)

The test named ECG (or EKG) is the one that records the heart’s electrical activity. An electrocardiogram uses skin electrodes to pick up the electrical impulses generated as the heart beats, producing a tracing that shows rhythm and conduction through the heart. This helps doctors identify things like irregular heartbeats, blockages in the electrical pathways, or signs of ischemia. The other tests measure different things: an echocardiogram uses ultrasound to image the heart’s structure and motion; an electroencephalogram records brain electrical activity; and an electromyogram assesses electrical activity in muscles.

The test named ECG (or EKG) is the one that records the heart’s electrical activity. An electrocardiogram uses skin electrodes to pick up the electrical impulses generated as the heart beats, producing a tracing that shows rhythm and conduction through the heart. This helps doctors identify things like irregular heartbeats, blockages in the electrical pathways, or signs of ischemia.

The other tests measure different things: an echocardiogram uses ultrasound to image the heart’s structure and motion; an electroencephalogram records brain electrical activity; and an electromyogram assesses electrical activity in muscles.