Electrocardiogram

/ɪˌlɛktroʊˈkɑrdioʊˌɡræm/ noun

Definition

A recorded tracing that shows the electrical activity of the heart as it beats, often called an EKG or ECG.

Etymology

From electro- (electricity) + cardio- (heart, from Greek kardia) + -gram (written record). Developed in the early 1900s when scientists learned to measure and record the heart's electrical signals.

Kelly Says

The electrocardiogram is one of the most important medical discoveries ever—it lets doctors 'see' your heart's electrical activity without surgery, and it's saved countless lives by detecting problems like irregular heartbeats and heart attacks.

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