Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Electrocardiogram Introduction
• Basic Anatomy of the Heart
• Heart Function and the ECG
• What You Can Expect During an ECG
• Reasons to Have an ECG
• Common Causes of Abnormal ECG Tracings
• Interpreting the ECG Results
• Multimedia
• Synonyms and Keywords
• References
• Authors and Editors

Electrocardiogram Introduction

The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a diagnostic tool that measures and records the electrical activity of the heart in exquisite detail. Interpretation of these details allows diagnosis of a wide range of heart conditions. These conditions can vary from minor to life threatening.

The term electrocardiogram was introduced by Willem Einthoven in 1893 at a meeting of the Dutch Medical Society. In 1924, Einthoven received the Nobel Prize for his life's work in developing the ECG.

The ECG has evolved over the years.

• The standard 12-lead ECG that is used throughout the world was introduced in 1942.
  
  
• It is called a 12-lead ECG because it examines the electrical activity of the heart from 12 points of view.
  
  
• This is necessary because no single point (or even 2 or 3 points of view) provides a complete picture of what is going on.
  
  
• To fully understand how an ECG reveals useful information about the condition of your heart requires a basic understanding of the anatomy (that is, the structure) and physiology (that is, the function) of the heart.