What device records the electrical impulses of the cardiac cycle?

The device that records the electrical impulses of the cardiac cycle is the EKG, or electrocardiogram. This tool captures the electrical activity of the heart over time through electrodes placed on the skin. When the heart beats, it generates electrical impulses that trigger each heartbeat, and the EKG translates these impulses into visual tracings, allowing healthcare professionals to assess heart rhythm, identify abnormalities, and diagnose various cardiac conditions.

While other devices mentioned also relate to cardiac monitoring, they serve different purposes. A defibrillator is primarily used to deliver a shock to restore normal heart rhythm in cases of life-threatening arrhythmias but does not record electrical impulses. A cardiac monitor continuously displays the heart's electrical activity in real-time but may not provide the same detailed, printed representation as an EKG. An electrophysiology study involves more invasive procedures to assess the electrical system of the heart and diagnose arrhythmias, but it is not a device for routine recording of electrical impulses over time like an EKG.