In contrast, an echocardiography begins with the application of gel to the chest to facilitate skin contact with a handheld device known as a transducer. The transducer produces high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) that penetrate the chest and bounce off the heart structures, resulting in real-time images of the heart displayed on a monitor. The technician or cardiologist uses these images to evaluate the heart's size, shape, wall thickness, chamber dimensions, valve function, and blood flow patterns. The duration of the echocardiography varies depending on the type of examination (transthoracic or transoesophageal) and the amount of information required. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) involves inserting a specialized probe into the esophagus to produce sharper images of the heart structures, which usually requires the patient to be sedated to reduce discomfort.

Both the ECG and the echocardiography are non-invasive, safe examinations that help diagnose various heart problems and guide therapy options. While an electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical activity and rhythm of the heart, an echocardiography gives precise imaging of the heart's structure and function. Together, these tests contribute to a thorough assessment of cardiac health, allowing for the delivery of best patient care.

 
When do you need ECGs and ECHOs?

ECGs are common diagnostic methods used in the following situations:

• When you have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• When you have a heart attack or chest pain as a symptom of coronary artery disease
• If you've had a previous heart attack
• To evaluate the efficacy of heart disease treatments like pacemakers.

 
You may require an ECHO in the following situations:

• To ensure that there are no issues with the heart's valves or chambers.
• To determine whether heart problems are the root of the problem or symptoms.
• To detect congenital heart abnormalities before birth.

 
To summarize, while both electrocardiograms (ECGs) and echocardiograms (ECHOs) are useful diagnostic techniques for assessing heart health, they serve different functions and provide complementary information. An ECG primarily assesses the heart's electrical activity and rhythm, but an echocardiogram provides detailed information about the heart's structure, function, and blood flow dynamics.

Depending on the clinical situation, healthcare providers may use one or both tests to obtain a complete assessment of a patient's cardiac status. Understanding the distinctions between an ECG and an echocardiogram allows patients and healthcare professionals to make more informed decisions about cardiac testing and management techniques, ultimately leading to improved heart health outcomes.

Ever panicked because of a slight stabbing pain in your chest and have thought it to be a heart attack? Yes, everyone has had it. Gas and heart attack both cause chest pain. It’s quite common to experience pain in the chest after a heavy meal. It’s often due to digestive issues. About 70% of chest pain may be classified as noncardiac chest pain. 

Pain due to Gas:

Non-cardiac chest pain, commonly referred to as gas pain, arises from the accumulation of trapped air or gas within our digestive systems. The discomfort associated with gas-induced chest pain can manifest as sharp, stabbing, or cramp-like sensations. It is frequently accompanied by bloating and excessive belching. This type of chest pain is usually transient and alleviated by the release of gas through burping. Factors such as aerophagia, dyspepsia, and gastrointestinal conditions like acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can exacerbate gas-related chest pain.

Heart Attack:

A heart attack occurs when there is a significant obstruction or restriction in the flow of blood to the heart muscle. This obstruction typically arises from the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol plaques, and other substances within the coronary arteries, leading to a condition known as coronary artery disease (CAD). This constriction impedes the vital supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart tissue, resulting in a heart attack.

Difference between Gas Pain and Heart Attack

Causes of Gas Pain:

Gas-induced pain may arise when gas accumulates in the stomach or the descending part of the colon. Various factors and behaviors can contribute to the retention of gas within the digestive system:

1. Food intolerance
2. Food poisoning
3. Too much artificial sweeteners
4. Excess carbonation
5. Swallowing air

Symptoms of Gas Pain:

There are several symptoms to know when it’s gas.

• Bloating
• Burping
• Abdominal pain such as cramps
• Flatulence (Passing gas through the back)
• Sharp chest pains that happen suddenly
• Indigestion

Causes of Heart Attack:

Heart attack is caused by the blockage of blood to the heart and there are different reasons causing it.

1. Smoking
2. High-fat diet
3. Diabetes
4. High cholesterol
5. High blood pressure (hypertension)
6. Obesity

Symptoms of Heart Attack:

• A feel of heaviness and squeezing pain in the chest
• Pain in the arms and the left shoulder
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Cold sweat

These symptoms are related to heart attack.

Conclusion

Gas induced pain is typically associated with gastrointestinal issues while a heart attack could signify a severe cardiac condition. Thus, it's crucial to immediately seek a cardiologist if symptoms worsen. Chest discomfort due to gas is usually acute and transient, often following a heavy meal, whereas a heart attack represents a chronic cardiovascular ailment with additional symptoms of coronary artery disease. Given that both conditions involve chest pain, it's imperative not to overlook appropriate medical care.

The cardiac chest pain is often described as a tight, constricting feeling or pressure on the breastbone. In addition, the pain may radiate to the arms, back, jaw, and neck. Cardiac chest pain can be caused by various conditions such as Angina, heart attack, pericarditis, and aortic aneurysm.

2. Respiratory Chest Pain

The experience of respiratory chest pain is sharp or stabbing and tends to intensify with deep breathing or coughing. Typically, this kind of pain is linked to conditions like pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism, or collapsed lung.

3. Musculoskeletal Chest Pain

Musculoskeletal chest pain is usually felt as a sharp or dull ache in the chest area and is commonly caused by muscle strain, costochondritis, or inflammation of the rib joints.

4. Gastrointestinal Chest Pain

Chest pain caused by gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux, gastritis, or esophageal spasms may present as a burning sensation or discomfort in the upper abdomen, often rising towards the chest.

When To Consult a Doctor for Chest Pain?

Chest pain can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, some of which may require immediate medical attention. Here are some symptoms that require immediate attention:

• Experiencing intense chest pain that spreads to the arm, jaw, or back.
• Experiencing chest pain along with symptoms like shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea.
• Chest pain that intensifies with physical activity or exertion.
• Experiencing chest pain along with a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Chest pain may be experienced by individuals who have a history of heart disease or risk factors such as high blood pressure.

Which doctor to consult for chest pain?

If you are experiencing chest pain, it is important to consult with a cardiologist, they provide you with an appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and medical history. In addition, you can also consult with a general physician for initial tests to find the causes of your chest pain, a gastroenterologist for chest pain related to acid reflux and pulmonologist for chest pain is linked to conditions like pneumonia, pleurisy, pulmonary embolism, or collapsed lung.

Summing Up

According to the WHO, a 2019 report states that approximately 17.9 million individuals lost their lives due to cardiovascular diseases, making it the leading cause of death globally. This accounts for 31% of all deaths worldwide. Following a healthy lifestyle and adopting preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, by taking a proactive approach to your cardio health and seeking the necessary medical care, you can achieve the best possible results and provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones. Don't ignore your symptoms and get consulted with experienced doctors for your overall well being.

The next raised question might be, why is that cardiovascular disease a major cause for deaths? Why is it seeming to be more prevalent in India? It is possible that this is due to people not having the right knowledge, and not knowing who the right doctor is to see for their condition. So, now let us get to have some understanding and guidance about healthcare and to when and whom should you seek for help for any kind of illness related to heart. 

 
Who are Cardiologists?

A Cardiologist is a doctor who specializes in treating conditions related to the cardiovascular system. They help to treat or prevent a wide range of cardiovascular issues and they focus on specific areas, such as congenital cheart disease, heart failure, or abnormal heart rhythms.

What does a Cardiologist do?

A Cardiologist, who specializes in heart and vascular health, may help with a wide range of conditions, including chest pain, hypertension, heart failure, and abnormalities with heart valves and blood arteries. To determine the cause of the problem, they may perform an electrocardiogram, echocardiography, or CT scan. Once they've determined the problem, they can prescribe medication, suggest lifestyle changes (such as more exercise and a healthier diet), or perform a cardiac catheterization.

Types of Cardiologists

Cardiology is a broad field that encompasses various specializations. Some of the most prevalent specializations in cardiology are listed here.

• General Cardiologist: One who oversees the treatment of cardiac illness in adults.
• Heart failure cardiologist: A doctor who specializes in treating heart failure.
• Electrophysiologist: A doctor who specializes in treating cardiac problems involving electrical activity and arrhythmia.
• Interventional cardiologist: A cardiologist, who treats cardiovascular problems without resorting to surgery.
• Cardiovascular surgeon: A medical professional who specializes in performing surgery on heart and chest.

Symptoms you should consult a Cardiologist

You can consult a cardiologist if you have the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Chest pain
• Inborn heart disease
• Palpitations
• High cholesterol

Conditions Treated by Cardiologist

Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is a condition where arteries make the blood flow to get blocked due to the building up of fat materials, called the plague. This plague can get burst and cause the blood clot.

Angina: Angina is a kind of chest pain that happens when there is not enough blood flow to the heart. It may feel like squeezing or heaviness in your chest.

Endocarditis: Endocarditis is a rare condition which causes an inflammation in the inner lining of the heart. The treatment might include heart surgery or several weeks of antibiotics.

Heart Attack: Heart attack also called as myocardial infarction, is a medical emergency when the heart muscles begin to die due to a lack of blood supply.

Cardiac arrest: Sudden cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. If not treated immediately, a shortage of blood supply to the brain and other organs can result in unconsciousness, disability, or death.

Ventricular fibrillation: Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening kind of arrhythmia. It occurs when the heart muscle contracts involuntarily rather than pumping blood, causing a drop in blood pressure.

Pericarditis: Pericarditis is a condition which involves inflammation and enlargement of the pericardium, a thin membrane that creates a sac surrounding the heart's muscle.

Many people get confused between the above mentioned cardiovascular conditions. It is very important to understand, especially the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest. If you suspect any of the symptoms related to these diseases, it is mandatory that you know how to find a cardiologist, and book an appointment with them.

• Resuming physical activity varies from person to person, but it is commonly counseled not to resume physical until the completion of 6-8 weeks post-surgery. To start off with, one can resume physical activity by doing something that they like doing the most but is also simple and doesn’t require extra effort, like watering the plants using a hose, cooking, or dusting up etc., After 8 weeks, one can also involve in weeding, digging soil and trimming the hedges.
• Driving a car – Until consulting with a doctor, one should not drive. This is practiced to evade re-injuring of the sternum during the healing process.
• It is also advised not to carry, lift, push, or pull heavy objects i.e., usually weighing around 5-10 pounds or more.
• Strenuous exercise such as bowling, tennis, swimming, jogging, and biking is recommended only after 3 months post-surgical treatment.

5) Pain and relief

• Pain medication is usually prescribed by the doctor, and will be continued even during a recovery phase.
• One can benefit from the medication only when one sticks to a treatment regimen without fail, even when at home.
• Uneasiness surrounding the incision is common but shouldn’t be hurting it does during the initial few days of surgery. This is expected to fade with time, and if not, it is advised to bring it to the attention of the doctor, at the earliest.

6) Sexual Activity

Many patients present with concern about their sexual life when they undergo such a major surgery. Well, it mostly depends on how far they’ve come in the recovery road, both physically and mentally. As per advice, post-surgery, when the patient is fit enough to take two flights of stairs – without falling short of breath or getting too tired, then they’re given the green signal.

7) Diet

Focusing on eating “healthy foods” is a must, post-operation as this majorly contributes to healing, recovering, and reducing the risk of any other complications. One may also experience changes in taste and smell, owing to the medicines that are being taken. It is also prescribed by the nutrition to consume food in smaller portions, but frequently, and it can contain the following:

• Meat, egg, tofu, nuts and healthy fats
• Fish – as they are abundant in omega-3 fats
• Low-fat dairy products
• Quinoa, rye, rolled oats and other whole grains
• Water, tender coconut water. Fresh juices
• Reducing consumption of sugary and carbonated beverages, salt, and junk.

Follow-up appointments and doctor consults are very important and are not to be missed at any cost. The road to recovery may seem like a long tiring one, but one should also remember that they are not alone in this. Family, friends, and rehabilitation groups are available for constant support for “you”- to lead a fulfilling, healthy, and active life in the coming years!!