What is the primary purpose of an EKG?

The primary purpose of an EKG, or electrocardiogram, is to assess heart rhythm and electrical activity. An EKG records the electrical signals that trigger each heartbeat, allowing healthcare providers to evaluate the heart's rhythm, detect abnormal heartbeats, and identify conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, or other cardiac issues.

This assessment is crucial because the heart’s electrical system is essential for coordinating heartbeats and maintaining effective circulation. By interpreting the patterns seen on the EKG tracing, clinicians can gather important information about the heart's health, which can guide further diagnostic testing or treatment options.

Other options do not align with the main objective of an EKG. For instance, measuring blood pressure focuses on the force of blood against artery walls, determining blood oxygen levels involves different tests such as pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas measurements, and evaluating physical fitness typically encompasses a range of assessments that do not specifically relate to the heart's electrical activity.