Which device measures the electrical activity of the heart?

The measurement of the electrical activity of the heart is specifically conducted using an electrocardiogram (ECG). This device detects and records the electrical signals produced by the heart as it beats. Each heartbeat generates electrical impulses that propagate through the heart muscle, leading to the contraction of the heart chambers. The ECG translates these impulses into a visual waveform output, allowing healthcare professionals to assess heart rhythm, detect abnormalities, and diagnose various cardiac conditions.

In contrast, ultrasound is primarily used to visualize internal organs and assess their structure and function using sound waves. An X-ray machine captures images based on the absorption of radiation, which is useful for viewing bones and certain structures but does not provide information about the electrical activity of the heart. A ventilator is a life-support machine that assists or controls breathing for patients who are unable to breathe adequately on their own, without any direct measurement of electrical signals from the heart.