ECG is short for electrocardiogram. Also known as conventional electrocardiogram or body surface electrocardiogram. The C in ECG is an abbreviation of the prefix Cardio-, which is pronounced "card". The pronunciation of ECG is similar to that of EEG (electroencephalogram), which is confusing, so Americans often use the word "K" for "car". ECG becomes "EKG".

EKG is abbreviated for the German word "Elektrokardiogram" and is used for ECG. The affix "heart" in German is Kardio, so it makes sense that it is EKG. In fact, both English and German are Germanic languages, and the root of the word "heart" comes from the Greek Kardia.

use ECG machine with Lead wires


These two words refer to the same meaning, used to measure the electrical activity of the heart and diagnose heart problems. In some parts of the United States, it is customary to use EKG to prevent confusion, as opposed to the similarly pronounced abbreviation Electroencephalogram (EEG), which measures electrical waves in the brain rather than the heart. Other countries are more likely to use the abbreviation ECG, although this is not always the case, such as China, which generally uses ECG, the direct initials.

EEG sample

The root "electro" or "elektro" means electricity. "Cardio" or "Kardio" is used to refer to the heart. "Gram" or "gramm" means to write. The program is called an electrocardiogram and electrocardiogram because it uses a device that measures the electrical impulses generated by the heart and then records or writes those results for doctors to analyze.

The ECG or EKG corresponding display machine, called electrocardiograph, is connected to a specific location on the body by ECG lead wires(wired electrodes). Electrical impulses in the heart signal the heart muscle to contract, which causes the heartbeat. These pulses can be detected through the skin by the electrodes of an electrocardiograph. It records electrical signals on a computer screen in the form of wavy lines or on paper with a moving ink needle. These machines are so sensitive that they can detect tiny irregularities, which can then be used to diagnose a variety of different types of heart problems.

To sum up, there is no difference between ECG and EKG except the spelling; Both ECG and EKG are correct terms; So,  Pluscare Medical thinks the two words can be used interchangeably.