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Electrocardiogram: meaning, definitions and examples

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electrocardiogram

 

[ ɪˌlɛk.trə.kɑːr.di.oʊ.ɡræm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

medical test

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a medical test that records the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It involves placing electrodes on the skin to capture the heart's electrical signals, allowing healthcare professionals to assess its rhythm, size, and positioning. An ECG is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other cardiac issues. The results are displayed as wavy lines on graph paper, with specific patterns indicating different heart conditions.

Synonyms

ECG, EKG.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor reviewed my electrocardiogram results.
  • She underwent an electrocardiogram to check her heart rhythm.
  • An abnormal electrocardiogram indicated further testing.
  • The patient was advised to get an electrocardiogram after chest pain.

Translations

Translations of the word "electrocardiogram" in other languages:

🇵🇹 eletrocardiograma

🇮🇳 इलेक्ट्रोकार्डियोग्राम

🇩🇪 Elektrokardiogramm

🇮🇩 elektrokardiogram

🇺🇦 електрокардіограма

🇵🇱 elektrokardiogram

🇯🇵 心電図

🇫🇷 électrocardiogramme

🇪🇸 electrocardiograma

🇹🇷 elektrokardiyogram

🇰🇷 심전도

🇸🇦 تخطيط القلب الكهربائي

🇨🇿 elektrokardiogram

🇸🇰 elektrokardiogram

🇨🇳 心电图

🇸🇮 elektrokardiogram

🇮🇸 hjartaelektrokardiogram

🇰🇿 электрокардиограмма

🇬🇪 ელექტროკარდიოგრამა

🇦🇿 elektrokardioqrafiya

🇲🇽 electrocardiograma

Etymology

The term 'electrocardiogram' is derived from three parts: 'electro', which comes from the Greek word 'ēlektron' meaning 'amber' (often associated with electricity), 'cardio' from the Greek word 'kardia' meaning 'heart', and 'gram' from the Greek word 'gramma' meaning 'something written or drawn'. The concept of measuring the electrical activity of the heart began in the early 20th century, thanks to the pioneering work of Willem Einthoven, who developed the first practical ECG in 1903. His invention transformed cardiology and became a fundamental tool in diagnosing heart diseases. As technology advanced, the modalities of capturing and analyzing electrocardiograms improved, leading to greater accuracy and ease of use in clinical settings. Today, ECGs are indispensable in both emergency and routine medical care, providing valuable insights into a patient's cardiovascular health.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,414, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.