What do ECGs primarily measure?

ECGs, or electrocardiograms, are designed specifically to measure the electrical activity of the heart. They provide critical information regarding the heartbeat and the rhythm in which it occurs. By recording the electrical impulses that trigger each heartbeat, an ECG allows veterinarians and veterinary technicians to identify various heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, and to assess overall heart health.

Respiration rate, blood oxygen levels, and muscle contractions pertain to different physiological processes. While they are important health indicators, they are not the primary focus of an ECG. Respiration rate is measured through respiratory monitoring, blood oxygen levels are typically assessed using pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas analysis, and muscle contractions can involve various diagnostic methods, such as electromyography (EMG). Consequently, for evaluating cardiac function, an ECG is the preferred diagnostic tool, making the correct choice clearly focused on heart activity.