Difference Between ECG and ECHO Tests: Uses, Need, & More

If you’re a health enthusiast who stays updated on different health risks and diagnostic tests, you might have encountered the terms ECG or ECHO somewhere. Do you know what these terms mean?

ECG and ECHO are tests used for heart health diagnosis. However, you might already know this.

But do you know the difference between the two tests, why they are needed, and what each is used for?

If not, don’t worry; you’re in the right place. Today, we will discuss these two tests and how they differ from each other. So, brace your heart and read till the end of the article to know everything in depth.

What is an ECG Test?

An Electrocardiogram, also known as the ECG test, measures the heart's electrical impulses. It is generally used in medical settings to monitor the heart's condition and diagnose abnormalities. The test works by placing 10-12 small electrodes on different body parts, including the chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes track the waves of electrical impulses that cause the heart to beat. It is completely noninvasive.

What is the ECHO Test?

ECHO, or Echocardiogram, is an imaging test that creates sound waves or vibrations to capture a graphic outline of your heart. The test provides valuable information about heart health and any conditions affecting it. It describes the heart's four chambers and how the left ventricle, also known as the pumping chamber, works. Just like the ECG test, an echocardiogram is also noninvasive.

What is the Difference Between ECG and ECHO Test?

Although quite similar in sound, both ECG and ECHO tests differ in many aspects, except for a few things, such as the fact that they are tests for heart health assessment. Some of the major differences are listed below according to the basis of distinction between the two tests:

Assessment

The ECG test primarily assesses the heart's electrical activity to monitor the pumping rhythm and detect any abnormalities in the heartbeats.

The ECHO test uses ultrasound imaging techniques to create a graphic outline of the heart, providing details about its valves and chambers and detecting any health risks.

Application

ECG tests are effective for diagnosing heart-related disorders like arrhythmias and coronary artery disease and monitoring the effects of artificial pacemakers.

The ECHO test is important for diagnosing physical or structural disorders of the heart, along with pulmonary hypertension and other health conditions.

Uses

ECG test records the heart’s electrical impulses and determines the rhythm and heart rate.

The ECHO test is used to obtain information about the heart’s valves, their size, shape, pumping capacity, and the functioning of the different chambers, among other things.

Objective

The objective of ECG tests is to give a general idea of heart health and rhythm. Your physician may also want to detect disorders like Arrhythmias, Coronary artery disease, etc.

The ECHO test's objective is to detect physical problems with the heart, including pericardial issues, blood clots inside the heart, and holes in the heart.

Time taken

ECG test is a quick procedure generally taking 5-10 minutes to complete.

The ECHO test is often complex and may take between 30 minutes and an hour to complete, depending on the details required in the imaging test.

Cost of procedure

The ECG is a generalized test procedure and usually isn’t very expensive.

The ECHO test is an extensive procedure involving high-tech equipment, and depending on your healthcare provider’s charges, it may be quite expensive.

Nature of results

The ECG test produces instant results on the heart’s electrical impulses and provides a numeric representation of the heart rate and rhythm.

ECHO tests produce ultrasound images of the heart and its different segments, which medical professionals review and prepare an analysis report.

Prerequisites

Generally, there are no prerequisites for the ECG test, but minimum preparation is required. This might include shaving your chest hair if you have any.

Depending on the details of the heart image needed and other circumstances, your healthcare provider may ask you to fast for a few hours before the ECHO test.

Types of ECG and ECHO Tests

ECG and ECHO tests have different types depending on the kind of diagnosis to be performed. Here are the various types of ECG and ECHO tests:

ECG Tests

• CPET Stands for Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test; this test checks the heart rate at different activity levels.
• Holter Monitor: This is a 24-hour monitoring device worn by the patient to detect heart rhythm disorders.
• Exercise ECG: Also known as the Stress ECG, this test measures heart rate at different levels of stress-related activity. 
• Resting 12-lead ECG is a test that measures a patient’s heart’s electrical impulses in a relaxed state of body and mind. It helps detect abnormalities in heart rhythm and is used as a routine test.

ECHO Tests

• TTE Stands for transthoracic echocardiogram. This is the most common type of ECHO test used to determine the structure and function of the heart and different valves.
• Doppler ECHO:  is a special test used to measure the direction and speed of blood flow in the heart.
• ICE stands for Intracardiac echocardiography. This procedure uses a tiny ultrasound-tipped catheter to produce clear images of the heart and its internal chambers.
• TEE, or Transesophageal echocardiogram, is a test where a transducer is inserted into the esophagus to create clear and detailed images of the heart.

When do you Need an ECG or ECHO Test?

ECG and ECHO tests are both used to diagnose heart-related conditions and may be suggested by your healthcare provider for the following reasons:

Need for ECG Test

• If you are experiencing arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
• If you exhibit symptoms of Coronary artery disease
• If you are experiencing abnormal or recurring chest pain
• If you have had a heart attack in the past 
• To assess the efficiency of an artificial pacemaker if you are with one.

Need for ECHO Test

• To ensure the health and structural normality of your heart and various chambers.
• To assess the proper blood flow inside the heart’s chambers
• If you are experiencing ‘Heart Murmurs’ (unusual sounds during heartbeats)
• If your healthcare provider suspects a risk of heart disease
• For post-heart attack health analysis, if you have had one.

The Bottom Line

As we reach the end of the article, we now know that both ECG and ECHO are tests related to heart health diagnosis but differ from each other in many aspects. An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures electric impulses in the heart, while an Echocardiogram(ECHO) produces ultrasound images of the heart to diagnose structural and physical heart problems.

Both tests are important for the sound diagnosis and treatment of any underlying heart health conditions and for preventing any future complications related to the heart. 

Regular health checkups become important in today’s world if you want to live a healthy and disease-free life. 

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