What is the primary purpose of recording an EKG?

The primary purpose of recording an EKG (electrocardiogram) is to assess the electrical activity of the heart. An EKG provides a visual representation of the heart's rhythm and electrical conduction pathways, allowing healthcare providers to identify various cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, ischemia, and other heart-related issues. By analyzing the electrical impulses that trigger heartbeats, clinicians can gather critical information about the heart's health and functionality.

This process is essential in diagnosing conditions like heart attacks or monitoring heart health over time. The other options relate to different physiological measurements that do not involve the assessment of the heart's electrical activity directly. For instance, measuring blood pressure evaluates the force exerted by circulating blood while evaluating lung function relates to respiratory system assessments, and checking oxygen levels examines how well blood is oxygenated, separate from the heart's electrical activity.