Difference Between Echocardiogram and ECG/EKG
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, contributing to almost 85% of global deaths every year. In India, CVDs account for one in four deaths. To detect heart problems, doctors often suggest two tests – the Echocardiogram (or echo) and Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). While both procedures are popular, people often confuse one with the other. This blog aims to clarify the differences between an Echo and ECG.
Process : Difference Between Echocardiogram and ECG/EKG
An ECG/EKG is a non-invasive, painless heart monitoring test that primarily provides information on the rhythm of your heart. It checks if the electrical activity of the heart is regular or unusual by using electrodes. On the other hand, an Echo is an ultrasound of your heart that makes multidimensional pictures of your heart’s activity. It mainly looks for any abnormality in the heart’s structure using ultrasound.
Objective : Difference Between Echocardiogram and ECG/EKG
To put it simply, in an ECG/EKG, a healthy heart will print consistent shapes of waves on the electrocardiogram graph. If the waves are inconsistent or irregular, it is a sign of heart disease. An ECG is also done when the patient has a family history of heart problems or has heavy drinking habits.
Usually, doctors prescribe an Echo if your ECG/EKG results are abnormal. An Echo is used to diagnose valvular heart disease, congenital cardiovascular disease, identify myocardial infarction in its initial stages, detect cardiomyopathies, etc.
Duration : Difference Between Echocardiogram and ECG/EKG
An ECG/EKG takes just about five minutes. It is a short test where most of the time is spent positioning the leads on the patient’s body, and just a few seconds are spent generating the tracing. However, an Echo takes a minimum of 20 minutes. The first five minutes is preparation time, and the next 15 is spent on imaging. It may take even more time depending on the amount of information the doctor needs.
Risks Involved : Difference Between Echocardiogram and ECG/EKG
Risks associated with an ECG/EKG are minimal and rare. However, your doctor will make notes before the test if you are obese, diabetic, pregnant, or on any medications. You might feel uncomfortable when the sticky electrodes are taken off. If they are left too long, they might cause skin irritation. On the other hand, there are no known risks or complications of a standard transthoracic Echo. It rarely can cause breathing problems or a slow heart rate.
Price : Difference Between Echocardiogram and ECG/EKG
The cost of an echocardiography test can vary from lab to lab. At Deep Medical Centre, we understand the value of these tests for patients of all ages and financial backgrounds. A 2D Echo test at our lab ranges from Rs.1700-2500 in Delhi. An ECG/EKG costs much lesser at around Rs. 250, depending on the type of tests your doctor prescribed.
Conclusion : Difference Between Echocardiogram and ECG/EKG
In conclusion, understanding the differences between an Echo and ECG is crucial. While ECG primarily provides information on the rhythm of your heart, an Echo focuses on any abnormality in the heart’s structure using ultrasound. Doctors usually prescribe an Echo if your ECG results are abnormal. It’s essential to note that both tests are minimally invasive, and risks associated with them are minimal. If you’re experiencing heart problems or have a family history of heart disease, consult your doctor, and consider getting an ECG or Echo done to ensure timely detection and treatment.
Read Next : Echocardiography Blogs
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We are a diagnostic centre and laboratory providing clinical solutions like CT Scan, Mammography, OPG X-ray, Digital X-ray, IVP, HSG, ECG–EEG, TMT, 4D & 5D Ultrasound, All types of Blood Tests, etc. We promise quality, we deliver it. Deep Medical Centre’s foremost focus has always been to maintain the highest standards in testing and hygiene, resulting in a high level of satisfaction of our more than twenty thousand patrons and being the fastest growing laboratory in North-east Delhi.
Our compassionate highly qualified team of radiologists and assistants have a gentle, caring manner and a feeling of family care because we keep our all empathy with not-so-good times that you or your family member may be going through, to require a diagnostic test.
If you have any questions about our imaging services, call Deep Medical Centre at (+91) 931-166-1446 / drop an email at contact@deepmedicalcentre.com / just click here to open the map to our physical location or request an appointment now. We wish you and your family a very healthy smiling time.
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