What diagnostic test is used to measure the electric impulses from the heart?

The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is the appropriate diagnostic test used to measure the electrical impulses generated by the heart as it beats. This non-invasive procedure captures the heart's electrical activity through electrodes placed on the skin and translates these signals into a visual graph.

An ECG can reveal important information about the heart's rhythm, size, and overall function, helping healthcare professionals diagnose various cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, heart attacks, and other heart-related issues. The data obtained from an electrocardiogram is vital for assessing the heart's health and guiding treatment decisions.

Other options such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound utilize different technologies and purposes. X-rays provide images of the body's structure, MRI offers detailed images of organs and tissues, and ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize internal organs and structures, none of which can measure electrical activity like an electrocardiogram can.