Final answer:
ECG paper is a specialized graph paper for recording ECG readings, which represents the electrical activity of the heart. It includes a grid to measure waveform duration and amplitude, key in diagnosing heart function and irregularities.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ECG paper is a type of graph paper used to record the electrical activity of the heart. Specifically, it is used to record ECG readings, which are the tracings generated by an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). The paper displays the heart's depolarization and repolarization as waveforms, which are crucial for diagnosing various heart conditions.
By placing electrodes on the patient's body, an ECG machine captures these electrical signals, which are then printed on the ECG paper. The resultant tracings can be analyzed to assess heart function, detect irregularities, and understand heart muscle activity. Moreover, cardiologists often compare current and past ECG results to detect subtle changes, aiding in the diagnosis of heart damage or disease.
The ECG paper itself has a grid that helps medical professionals measure the amplitude and duration of these waveforms, hence providing insights into the heart rate and rhythm, but it does not measure blood pressure.