What is the purpose of an ECG?

The purpose of an ECG, or electrocardiogram, is to assess the electrical activity of the heart. It records the electrical impulses that trigger each heartbeat, producing a visual representation of the heart's rhythm and activity over time. This provides crucial information about the heart's function, including the rate of beats, the presence of abnormal rhythms, and signs of ischemia or damage to heart tissue.

An ECG is particularly valuable in diagnosing conditions such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and other heart-related issues that may not be detectable through imaging alone. By focusing on the electrical aspects of heart function, healthcare providers can gain insights into how well the heart is operating and identify potential problems.

In contrast, visualizing the heart's physical structure pertains more to imaging techniques like echocardiography or MRI, measuring heart size can be done through imaging methods as well, and evaluating blood flow typically involves other tests like Doppler ultrasound or angiography. Thus, the primary function of an ECG is to provide information about the electrical activity of the heart, which is essential for assessing its performance and detecting abnormalities.