What is the main purpose of an EKG?

The main purpose of an EKG, or electrocardiogram, is to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. This is achieved by placing electrodes on the skin, which detect electrical impulses generated by the heart as it beats. These impulses are recorded as waveforms on graph paper or a computer screen, allowing healthcare professionals to analyze the heart's rhythm, identify any abnormalities, and assess overall cardiac function.

This monitoring is crucial for diagnosing various cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other heart disease. An EKG provides real-time information about how well the heart is working and can indicate whether parts of the heart are swollen or overworked, thereby guiding further diagnostic and treatment decisions.

In contrast, diagnosing lung diseases, measuring heart rate alone, or assessing cholesterol levels does not fall within the main function of an EKG, as these are evaluated through different methods and tests specifically designed for those purposes.