What Is the Difference between Electrocardiograph and Electrocardiogram? 

Electrocardiograph 

An electrocardiograph (i.e. EKG) happens to be a device that assesses heart function by measuring electrical activity. With each heartbeat, electrical impulses tend to travel through the heart. Doctors record these waves for evaluating the heart’s performance. 

Electrocardiogram 

An electrocardiogram (i.e. ECG) happens to be a test record used for measuring the electrical activity of the heart. It measures & records the electrical impulses traveling through the heart with each beat that causes the muscles to contract & pump blood. 

By analysing such electrical signals, doctors determine the heart’s activity to be normal or irregular. 

Difference between Electrocardiograph and Electrocardiogram

The terms EKG & EKG come from distinct languages. ECG comes from an English word, “electrocardiogram” and EKG comes from a German word, “elektrokardiogramm”. The difference between electrocardiogram and electrocardiography lies in the functions & uses in diagnosing various heart diseases. An electrocardiograph performs electrocardiography tests that measure the heart’s electrical activity. An electrocardiogram, on the other hand, actually records the output that an electrocardiograph produces during the procedure. Understanding the difference between an ECG and an EKG is important to make accurate diagnosis and treat heart disease. 

Electrocardiograph vs Electrocardiogram 

To differentiate between an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram, it is important to note that an electrocardiogram tends to evaluate the electrical impulses of the heart whereas an echocardiogram uses ultrasound for visualising heart’s structures. So, when establishing the difference between electrocardiogram and electrocardiography, it is crucial to note that an electrocardiogram evaluates heart’s electrical impulses whereas an echocardiogram uses ultrasound for visualising heart’s structures. 

Functions

• Electrocardiograph: Its major function is to capture the heart’s electrical signals & convert them into readable form. Electrodes are attached to the patient’s body. 
• Electrocardiogram: Its function is to give a visual representation of the heart’s electrical activity that can be analysed by medical professionals for diagnosing different heart diseases. 

Uses 

• Electrocardiograph: This is used by medical professionals & technicians to perform tests, which usually involve attaching electrodes to a patient & then recording data. 
• Electrocardiogram: This is used by doctors, cardiologists & other medical professionals for interpreting the data, diagnosing heart disease & monitoring heart health. 

Components 

• Electrocardiograph: This consists of hardware components like electrodes, leads & recording devices. 
• Electrocardiogram: This consists of different waveforms & intervals (P waves, QRS complexes, T waves etc.) that represent various phases of the heart’s electrical cycle. 

Type: 

• Electrocardiograph: It is a physical device or machine. 
• Electrocardiogram: It is the result/output in the form of a printed graph/digital display. 

Technology 

• Electrocardiograph: It uses electronic circuits & sensors for detecting & recording heart’s electrical signals. 
• Electrocardiogram: This represents data processed by an 

electrocardiograph. This is displayed on paper or on the screen. 

Meaning 

• Electrocardiograph: Critical to the actual process of collecting data of cardiac activity. 
• Electrocardiogram: Critical to diagnosing any cardiac abnormalities and understanding cardiac health for formulating treatment plans, if needed. 

Interpretation: 

• Electrocardiograph: Proper set-up is required to ensure accurate data collection. 
• Electrocardiogram: Medical expertise is needed to accurately interpret the data and diagnose the underlying heart condition. 

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