electrocardiogram

American  

[ih-lek-troh-kahr-dee-uh-gram] / ɪˌlɛk troʊˈkɑr di əˌgræm /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. the graphic record produced by an electrocardiograph. EKG, ECG

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electrocardiogram British  

/ ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈkɑːdɪəʊˌɡræm /

noun

1.  ECG.  a tracing of the electric currents that initiate the heartbeat, used to diagnose possible heart disorders

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electrocardiogram Scientific  

/ ĭ-lĕk′trō-kär′dē-ə-grăm′ /

1. A graphic recording of the electrical activity of the heart, used to evaluate cardiac function and to diagnose arrhythmias and other disorders.

2. ◆ An electrocardiograph is the apparatus used to generate electrocardiograms. The machine functions as a portable set of galvanometers that measure electric potentials at different anatomic sites on the chest and extremities, and contains internal circuitry for computing calculations based on these measurements. Twelve electrodes act as transducers to pick up the electrical signals. Various combinations of signals from the electrodes can be selected for output, each of which provides information about electrical activity in the heart from a different anatomical perspective. For example, electrodes placed on the right arm, left leg and left arm record variations in potential in the frontal plane of the heart. The signals are converted to waveform tracings that are recorded and printed for diagnostic interpretation.

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electrocardiogram Cultural  

1. A written recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Electrocardiograms are used to determine the condition of the heart and to diagnose heart disease.

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Etymology

Origin of electrocardiogram

First recorded in 1900–05; electro- + cardiogram

Compare meaning

How does electrocardiogram compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• electrocardiogram vs. electrocardiograph

Example Sentences

Usually, the heart-rhythm disorder is diagnosed through testing such as electrocardiograms.

From The Wall Street Journal

Also, the Indian company’s recent entry and enhanced operations in segments, such as diagnostics services, health & life insurance firms and electrocardiogram tests at home, continue to do well.

From The Wall Street Journal

Patients with atrial fibrillation can now monitor their heart rhythm with a do-it-yourself electrocardiogram on devices that interface with a smartphone app and range from $79 to $129.

From The Wall Street Journal

She was able to verify that while her mother had completed scheduled blood tests, she had not shown up for an electrocardiogram.

From BBC

Any sign of distress, such as chest pain, could be a red flag; the symptom warranted investigation with tests, like an electrocardiogram or X-ray, experts said.

From Salon