What is the purpose of a 12-Lead EKG?

The purpose of a 12-Lead EKG is to read the electrical activity of the heart from 12 different angles using 10 electrodes (leads). This multi-angle approach allows healthcare providers to gain a comprehensive view of the heart's electrical activity and detect various cardiac conditions, such as arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and other heart diseases. By utilizing multiple leads, clinicians can gather vital information that helps in diagnosing issues that might not be apparent from just a single lead or angle. This depth of analysis is crucial in guiding effective treatment plans.

Other options, while related to cardiac monitoring or assessment, do not accurately describe the functionality of a 12-Lead EKG. Measuring heart rate focuses on one specific aspect of heart function, identifying blood types pertains to hematology and not cardiology, and monitoring blood pressure relates to vascular health rather than the heart's electrical activity.