What is the primary purpose of an electrocardiogram (ECG)?

The primary purpose of an electrocardiogram (ECG) is to record the electrical activity of the heart. This diagnostic tool provides vital information about the heart's rhythm, electrical conduction pathways, and overall function. Each heartbeat is initiated by an electrical impulse that travels through the heart, and the ECG translates these impulses into waveforms that can be analyzed by healthcare professionals.

By interpreting the ECG, clinicians can identify various cardiac conditions, including arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and other abnormalities. This makes the ECG an essential part of cardiovascular assessment and monitoring, allowing for timely interventions and management of heart-related issues. Other options, such as measuring blood pressure, assessing lung function, or determining cholesterol levels, are not functions of the ECG; rather, they involve different diagnostic tools and methods that target other aspects of health.