What does an Electrocardiogram (ECG) primarily help diagnose?

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) primarily helps diagnose cardiac issues by providing a visual representation of the electrical activity of the heart. This diagnostic tool captures the rhythm, rate, and various electrical impulses, allowing healthcare providers to identify and evaluate conditions such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction (heart attacks), and other heart-related abnormalities.

The ECG can reveal insights into how well different parts of the heart are functioning, which is crucial in managing and treating heart disease. It serves as a vital diagnostic tool in cardiology because it can detect problems that may not yet be producing symptoms but could lead to serious health issues if not addressed. The detailed patterns visible on the ECG are critical for understanding the heart's health and function, which emphasizes why this method is specifically tailored for assessing cardiac issues rather than conditions related to other bodily systems.