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.

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!!

Going for regular blood checks, periodic consults with physicians, and knowing the normal values can be very handy in keeping a good health profile. Taking those necessary steps that will keep blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol in check is of prime importance in keeping your heart healthy.

4) “Bon Appetite”!!! Yes, to those healthy fats!

Foods, in general, have good and bad fat. Usually, the good fat (eg., Omega-3) can be sourced from fish, nuts, veggies, and seeds. These good fats contribute to the support of the heart muscles.

5) Oils

Extra virgin olive oil is best known for keeping the heart in a decent shape! So are the other oils which come with its own set of nutrients. Having said this, oils should be used in portions like in dressing or dips and should not be exceedingly used for deep frying. Reuse of oils has also shown have toxic effects on overall health.

6) Going the cholesterol-friendly way!

Cholesterol intake significantly contributes to matters of heart health. Foods such as fatty meat, full-fat dairy products, and lard are examples, which when consumed may cause cholesterol levels to shoot up! Alternating these with healthier substance can help in keeping the cholesterol levels in the healthier range.

7) Chuck out the junk!

Though it may seem irresistible, it can cause some serious irreversible damage to the heart! It is better to avoid anything that basically comes out of packets – biscuits, chips, etc., as they have high trans fats and preservatives.

8) Salt And Sugar!

Intake of salt and sugar in higher amounts results in hypertension, and weight gain etc., Including salt in moderate quantities and choosing alternative for instead of carbonated and sweet beverages like tender coconut water, fresh juices without sugar, etc., can be good alternatives for a heart-beneficial diet.

9) Portion control and weight gain

Both go hand in hand and contribute equally to the heart’s wellbeing. Taking food in measured portions will let us maintain the BMI. Disorganized dieting leads to gaining weight, which further results in diabetes and other deadly disorders of the body.

10) Smoking is injurious to health!

While smoking can have a detrimental effect on health, it intensifies the occurrence of heart disease by 2-4 times. Substance from cigarette is found to cause blocking in the arteries which eventually leads to heart attack. Ditching smoking does good not only for oneself but also for society.

11) Fun between the sheets!

Top or under or between! Just leaving the fact here that an active sexual life has got more to offer than just intimate pleasure. It aids greatly in relaxing, and lowering blood pressure and risk of heart disease as well.

12) Unwind and Sleep!

From youngsters to elderly, stress has become one of the most used words. Not only does this directly harm the heart, but eventually leads to other behaviors – binge eating, alcohol and rug use, etc., Utilise any opportunity that comes by to get some good rest. Unwind yourself by engaging in activities like yoga, listening to music, knitting, crocheting, etc., all of which will greatly help in relieving us of tension and stress.

13) Consider matters of family history

A family member having a history of heart attack increases one’s chance of getting a heart attack. Prevention is better than cure, and in this case consulting a physician, and taking the right steps can be helpful in keeping a healthy heart.

14) Adherence to medication

If a patient, is diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes, etc., it is important for them to adhere to the medications prescribed, diet menu, and practice the physical activity recommended. High BP and diabetes are two common conditions, where mismanagement of either one will directly lead to the occurrence of a heart disease.

15) Consistency, patience, and harmony

Though it may seem difficult to bring alterations in our daily lives, it's even more difficult to practice and follow them “consistently”. The patience factor is foremost the important thing when one wishes to see changes. Harmonize the heart with some good aroma therapy, maybe once in two weeks, and treat it to good soothing music. All of these lend a hand in stifling stress, and keeping the heart happy and healthy!

It's always good to remember that we hold the power to lead life the way we want it to be. And for the long run, choosing the healthier way by making modifications to our daily routine, addressing bad behaviour, and busting stress are the only things that’ll keep us going smoothly. Hence, try incorporating these tips or consult a doctor for “A HEALTHY YOU AND A HEALTHEIR HEART”!!! For a healthy and happy life.