What is the primary function of an electrocardiograph?

The primary function of an electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG) is to record the electrical activity of the heart over a period of time, which inherently involves amplifying these electrical signals generated by heart muscle depolarization and repolarization. This device attaches electrodes to the body that detect the minuscule electrical impulses created each time the heart beats.

The signals picked up are often very weak, so amplification is crucial to provide a readable output. Once amplified, these signals are displayed as waveforms, allowing healthcare providers to assess heart function, diagnose conditions, and monitor heart health. While measuring heart rate, regulating heart rhythm, and delivering electrical shocks are all aspects related to cardiac function, they do not reflect the primary operational purpose of the electrocardiograph itself, which essentially serves to amplify and visualize the heart's electrical signals for diagnostic purposes.