Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG from German: Elektrokardiogramm) is a transthoracic (across the thorax or chest) interpretation of the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, as detected by electrodes attached to the outer surface of the skin and recorded by a device external to the body. The recording produced by this noninvasive procedure is termed as electrocardiogram (also ECG or EKG). An ECG test records the electrical activity of the heart.
ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats, as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart, such as a pacemaker.
Most ECGs are performed for diagnostic or research purposes on human hearts, but may also be performed on animals, usually for diagnosis of heart abnormalities or research.
Read more about Electrocardiography: Function, History, ECG Graph Paper, Leads, Waves and Intervals, Vectors and Views, Filter Selection, Indications, Some Pathological Patterns Which Can Be Seen On The ECG, Fetal Electrocardiography