Final answer:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) helps physicians diagnose heart conditions by recording electrical activity through electrodes on the skin, identifying damaged heart tissue, and revealing various heart abnormalities. Comparing recent and past ECGs can detect subtle cardiac changes, and advanced portable monitors enable continuous health monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a valuable tool for physicians to diagnose and monitor the heart's health. It records the heart's electrical activity through electrodes placed on the skin, reflecting various heart conditions. For instance, regions of damaged heart tissue, known as infarcts, display distinct electrical patterns on the ECG, which can be discerned in one or more of the 12 lead potentials. By comparing a current ECG with previous ones, subtle changes—indicative of gradual damage—can be identified, despite individual variations in heart shape, size, and orientation affecting the ECG results. Moreover, specific features of the ECG such as the P wave, Q wave, and ST segment can suggest conditions like atrial enlargement, myocardial infarction (MI), and hypoxia, respectively. Advancements in technology now allow for portable ECG monitors to be used in both clinical and everyday settings, enabling continuous monitoring and early detection of cardiac issues.