ECG vs ECHO: Difference between an Echocardiogram and Electrocardiogram

In the complex realm of cardiac care, where every beat counts, healthcare experts rely on a vast array of diagnostic technologies to figure out the mysteries of the heart. Among these techniques, the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and the echocardiogram (ECHO) stand out, each providing distinct insights into the complexity of how the heart functions. While both tests have the same purpose of measuring heart health, they do so from different perspectives, providing doctors with crucial information for diagnosis and treatment. In this blog, we will look into the subtle differences of the ECG and ECHO, understanding their roles, distinctions, and significance in cardiovascular care.

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) is a non-invasive test that evaluates the electrical activity of the heart. Here, electrodes are placed on the skin, usually on the chest, arms, and legs, to detect and record the electrical impulses produced by the heart as it beats. These impulses are then displayed as waves on a graph, revealing information about the heart's rhythm and pace.

 
Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram (ECHO) is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses sound waves to visualize the heart's anatomy and function. During an echocardiography, a transducer is placed on the chest and generates sound waves that bounce off the heart's tissues, resulting in images on a screen. This enables healthcare providers to see the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow patterns, revealing important information about the heart's size, shape, and overall function.

 
Types of electrocardiograms (ECG)

Resting ECG: A standard test performed when the heart is at rest to assess electrical activity.

Exercise Stress Test: Measures the heart's response to physical exertion on a treadmill or stationary bike.

Holter Monitoring: A portable device worn for 24-48 hours to record heart rate throughout daily activities.

Event Monitoring: Similar to Holter monitoring but worn for extended periods of time and activated by patients when experiencing symptoms.

 
Types of Echocardiograms (ECHOs)

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): The most frequent form, which uses a transducer on the chest wall to see the heart's structure.

Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): A specialized procedure that uses a probe placed into the esophagus to get sharper pictures of certain tissues.

Doppler Echocardiogram: A Doppler ultrasound is used to evaluate blood flow throughout the heart and arteries.

Stress Echocardiogram: Combines echocardiography and stress induction to evaluate heart function and detect ischemia.

 
How are ECG and ECHO done?

The electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography (Echo) are both important diagnostic techniques in cardiology, providing distinct insights into the heart's health. An ECG is performed by placing electrodes at certain spots on the chest, legs, and arms. These electrodes detect the electrical signals of the heart, which an ECG machine records as a series of waves on graph paper or a digital display. During the test, the patient is usually requested to lie down and stay still for a few minutes. A healthcare practitioner examines the ECG trace to determine heart rate, rhythm, and abnormalities such as arrhythmias or ischemia.

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.