ECG and heart echo. Find out the difference between these studies

ECG and echocardiography are passwords that for an ordinary patient with little connection to medicine can become the proverbial black magic. It’s time to disappoint them.

Echo of the heart - what is it?

echo of the heartalso called echocardiography, ultrasound of the heart (ultrasound) or ultrasound (ultrasound). It is one of the main imaging tests used in cardiology. It plays a key role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, as well as the subsequent monitoring of identified diseases. It allows you to evaluate the work of the heart muscle (systolic and diastolic function), as well as to identify possible anatomical anomalies in the structure of the specified organ or vessels.

A heart echo is usually performed in an echocardiography laboratory using special equipment. This is an echocardiogram. The doctor moves the head of the apparatus over the patient’s chest. Ultrasonic waves create an image that the specialist sees on the camera monitor. Everything happens in real time. Sometimes it may be necessary to attach special ECG electrodes to the patient’s skin. It should be noted that there are different methods of echocardiography, including transthoracic and transesophageal.

Echocardiography is usually a non-invasive diagnostic method that is safe for the patient. Does not cause side effects. There are also no clear contraindications to its implementation. However, it does not require any special preparation on the part of the patient. Your doctor may prescribe them primarily to confirm or rule out cardiovascular disease. They are held, among other things, for athletes starting their professional careers, and for physically active people.

What is an EKG and how does it work?

ECG of the heart this is different ECG. Used in the diagnosis of heart disease. It simplifies recognition of myocardial arrhythmias, including in so-called asymptomatic patientswho do not report any specific symptoms. An ECG recording provides the doctor with detailed information about the electrical activity of the heart muscle. Their analysis makes it possible to detect heart abnormalities at an early stage, even before the disease develops.

How does an EKG work? The doctor places electrodes on the patient’s chest, which pick up signals from the heart. This action is recorded by a special device and then recorded on a moving strip of paper. The doctor interprets the received record and assesses the need for further diagnostic procedures. Indications for an electrocardiographic study are fainting, dizziness and chest pain. ECG - similar to the “echo of the heart” - does not cause side effects and can be repeated many times.

ECG and echocardiography - what’s the difference?

ECG and echocardiography differ primarily in the diagnostic information they provide. Echocardiography gives a more complete picture of the heart muscle and its surrounding structures. However, both tests are widely used in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Sources:

• Hampton J., EKG. It’s simple, Edra Urban & Partner, 2019
• Lipec P. et al., Transthoracic echocardiography in adults - recommendations from the Echocardiography Section of the Polish Society of Cardiology, Kardiologia Polska 2018, 76(2), pp. 488-493.