An electrocardiograph machine tracks the electrical activity of a patient's heart by tracing lines on paper that reflect the electrical impulses (beating) of the heart. An electrocardiogram test, typically called an EKG or an ECG in the medical industry, is a standard assessment used for patients who experience a variety of problems, such as chest pains, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeats,and more. By monitoring EKG readings, physicians can often identify the source of these symptoms, whether they're caused by heart disease, inflammation, or hypertrophied.