Electrocardiograph: meaning, definitions and examples
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electrocardiograph
[ ˌɛlɛktrəˈkɑːrdioʊɡræf ]
medical device
An electrocardiograph is a medical device used to measure the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. It produces a graph called an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which helps diagnose various heart conditions. This non-invasive procedure is crucial for monitoring heart health and performance.
Synonyms
ECG machine, heart monitor
Examples of usage
- The doctor used the electrocardiograph to check for irregular heartbeats.
- After the patient's stress test, the electrocardiograph showed significant changes.
- Electrocardiographs are essential in emergency rooms to quickly assess heart conditions.
Etymology
The term 'electrocardiograph' is derived from a combination of several roots. The prefix 'electro-' comes from the Greek word 'ēlektron,' which means 'amber' and is associated with electricity due to the static electricity generated by amber. 'Cardio-' is derived from the Greek 'kardia,' meaning 'heart.' The suffix '-graph' comes from the Greek word 'graphē,' meaning 'writing' or 'drawing.' The modern electrocardiograph was developed in the early 20th century, with contributions from various scientists, including Willem Einthoven, who is credited with inventing the first practical electrocardiogram in 1903. His work laid the foundation for the field of clinical cardiology by allowing for the electrical monitoring of heart activity, revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac diseases.