The First Electrocardiogram (ECG) Reading

Diagram of an EKG tracing with parts labeled
1902
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The first electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) reading was taken by Willem Einthoven using a string galvanometer that he designed himself.1 ECGs can be used to diagnose some cases of kidney (renal) cancer.

  • 1Barold, S.S. "Willem Einthoven and the Birth of Clinical Electrocardiography a Hundred Years Ago." Cardiac Electrophysiology Review. 7 (2003): 99-104. [PUBMED]