What is the difference between ecg and echocardiogram

They are then gently moved into the heart, where they stimulate the heart and record your heart's electrical activity. These tests are used to see how blood flows to the heart. A dye is injected to highlight the blood vessels in your heart. A large machine then creates pictures of your heart by scanning your chest and looking for the dye.

This test can also be used before and after exercise to see how the flow of blood to the heart changes with exercise. Read more about what to expect by downloading our myocardial perfusion scan PDF. The tilt table test is used if you have episodes of fainting, to find out if these could be related to your heart. You lie on a special table, which can be angled so you lie down or stand up and you will be attached to a heart and blood pressure monitor which record how your heart rate and blood pressure respond to changes in position.

During the test you may have an intravenous IV needle in your arm so you can be given medication. Depending on the results of your heart test s , you may go on to have treatment like stents or bypass surgery. Real stories, healthy recipes and frequently-asked questions from people with heart disease, plus a whole lot more.

Edit this entry. Wellbeing What is my BMI? There are a number of heart related problems that an EKG can detect, but here is a list of the more common things a doctor may be able to find with an EKG.

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It is a more advanced, non-invasive diagnostic medical test that is used to identify issues with the structure and function of the heart.

By seeing inside the heart, we can determine the health of the heart valves or if there are any anatomical defects in the heart. Additionally, an echocardiogram can accurately measure the size and shape of the heart.

It can detect previous heart attacks, infections, blood clots and measure intracardiac pressures. The test is performed by a cardiac sonographer or ultrasound technologist. The cardiac sonographer will apply gel on your chest and use an ultrasound transducer on your chest to obtain the images. The image of your heart will be displayed on the monitor. A set echo protocol is typically followed by the cardiac sonographer. A complete echocardiogram will take approximately 30 minutes.

EKG, ask your cardiologist which test is right for you. He or she will know best as to whether you need an EKG, an echo, or both. You may consider doing the following so you and your cardiologist get the most accurate information from the tests. Both an EKG and a heart ultrasound can be preventative measures for those who may think they have a cardiac condition. Establish a relationship early on in life with a Cardiologist.

Use our patient portal to access numerous resources on heart health. Your health is our number one priority. Schedule Appointment Call Incoming Referalls. We accept most major insurance plans. Check Your Insurance. If you are a new patient, save time by printing your paperwork and bring it to your appointment. However, an EKG is not very accurate in evaluating the pumping ability of the heart.

For that, an echocardiogram is recommended. According to Dr. It shows the internal structure, and how the blood flows through it.