What Does EKG Mean in Medical Terms?

EKG stands for electrocardiogram. Recording of the heart's electrical activity.

electrocardiogram

Recording of the heart's electrical activity.

Where you will see EKG

You will most often see EKG in cardiology notes and heart test reports.

Example

A chart note might use “EKG” as shorthand for electrocardiogram when documenting a patient's care.

Related abbreviations

Browse the full Medical Abbreviations guide — 5,715 entries, searchable A–Z and by specialty.

Educational reference only. This guide is for learning and quick reference. Abbreviations vary between hospitals, countries and specialties, and some are discouraged because they can be misread. Always write and interpret orders using your own institution’s approved abbreviation list, and check anything unclear with the prescriber or your local policy.