Your heart is one of the most precious parts of your body. It beats and pumps blood for you every second. But how would one really know whether the heart is in a good shape?
This is where a couple of tests come into play: the ECG and the ECHO. Both of these tests are safe, quick, and painless for checking the heart. If you are looking for a heart doctor you can trust, Dr. Chetan Rathi, who is a leading Cardiologist in Nagpur, uses both tests frequently to evaluate how well your heart is functioning.
Signs of heart problems are not very strong in their initial stages. Many times, individuals ignore some minor symptoms like tiredness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Another reason why we should consider early testing.
Let us now understand the ECG and ECHO and how they can be used in assessing heart conditions.
What is an ECG?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical activity of the heart to produce theoretical impulses for the rhythmic beating of the heart.
The test is performed in the following way:
- Electrodes, which are small stickers, are placed on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs.
- The electrodes are connected to a machine by wires.
- Then the machine prints out a graph of the heart beating.
The ECG determines:
- Whether the heartbeat is too fast or too slow
- Whether the heartbeat is irregular
- Whether the heart muscle is dead
The test itself lasts only a couple of minutes and is completely painless. It is performed frequently in clinics and hospitals, giving you results before you leave.
What is an ECHO?
An ECHO is basically an echocardiography, which is almost the same as ultrasound, except that they check babies in the womb.
For the test:
- A probe was placed in a gliding manner over your chest.
- It sends sound waves toward the heart.
- Sound waves are projected to create moving images of the heart on a monitor.
The ECHO demonstrates:
The size and shape of your heart
- Valve function
- Pumping effectiveness
- Any fluid, clots, or damage
This test, too, is done without discomfort and takes 15-30 minutes on average. You might actually see your heart beating live on the screen!
What is the Difference Between ECG and ECHO?
A lot of people confuse the tests, but they are testing for different things. An ECG tests how one’s heart beats. An ECHO tests how an individual’s heart moves and its appearance. Thus, basically, the ECG charts rhythm, while the ECHO assesses structure and function. One could be likened metaphorically as the music of the heart, while the other is a ballet!
Why Do You Need Both Tests?
Now, some will ask, “Why do I need both tests? Isn’t one sufficient?”
The answer is: ECG and ECHO give complementary information, which is best when used in conjunction. One delineates the pattern of the heartbeat, while the other shows how the heart looks and operates.
An ECG may be normal while the ECHO shows a problem, or vice versa. This is the reason why both tests are often performed.
This is put down firmly by an expert: Dr. Chetan Rathi, a well-known Cardiologist in Nagpur who endorses both tests to make sure that nothing is missed. In this way, heart problems are diagnosed early and treatment is offered promptly.
When Should You Get an ECG or ECHO?
You should see a heart doctor and get tested if you:
- Feel chest pain or tightness
- Get tired very quickly
- Have trouble breathing
- Feel your heart beating too fast, too slow, or skipping
- Have high blood pressure or diabetes
- Have a family history of heart problems
Even if you feel fine, a heart check-up is a smart idea—especially after age 40. Prevention is always better than cure.
Looking for a Heart Doctor in Nagpur?
If you live in or near Nagpur, you’re in luck. Dr. Chetan Rathi is one of the best cardiologists in Nagpur. He is known for his kind nature, deep knowledge, and years of experience in treating heart problems.
Whether you need an ECG, an ECHO, or a full heart check-up, you’ll be in safe hands with Dr. Rathi. Many patients trust him for honest advice and effective care.
Final Thoughts
Your heart works hard every moment of your life. Taking care of it is super important.
Now you know what the Difference Between ECG and ECHO is. You also understand how they are different, but why they work best together. These tests help your doctor find heart problems early and treat them before they get serious.
Don’t wait for a problem to show up. Book a heart check-up today. If you’re in Nagpur, visit Dr. Chetan Rathi, one of the top heart specialists in the city.
Stay active, eat well, sleep enough, and keep your heart happy.
The post Heart Health 101: How ECG and ECHO Work Together appeared first on Daily Excelsior.