Electrocardiography

/ɪˌlɛktroʊkɑrdiˈɑɡrəfi/ noun

Definition

The science, technique, or practice of recording and interpreting the electrical activity of the heart.

Etymology

From electro- (electricity) + cardio- (heart) + -graphy (the art or practice of recording). Emerged as a field of medicine in the early 20th century after the electrocardiograph was invented.

Kelly Says

Electrocardiography revolutionized medicine because for the first time, doctors could detect heart problems while the patient was still alive and healthy-looking—it's the reason we know that 'silent' heart attacks can happen without obvious symptoms.

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