An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a medical test that monitors and records the electrical activity of the heart. This test detects electrical signals produced by the heart via small sensors called electrodes placed on specific areas of the body. These signals are then amplified and recorded, allowing healthcare professionals to observe the heart's rhythm and electrical patterns. The EKG is particularly useful for identifying abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and detecting signs of other cardiac conditions. For an accurate diagnosis of heart diseases, EKG findings are evaluated in conjunction with the physician's clinical examination, patient symptoms, and results from other diagnostic tests such as laboratory analyses and imaging studies.