Dr. Jose Poulose — Know About Echocardiogram and EKG
When Echocardiogram compared to EKG it’s essential to have a fundamental understanding of both tests. Both are very significant and are generally used heart tests that are instrumental in detecting various types of heart disorder. Dr. Jose Poulose is a renowned medical professional specializing in Cardiovascular and Internal Medicine. He has successfully treated various patients during his practice. The echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that delivers moving pictures and gives information on the structure and functionality of the heart. The EKG is a heart tracing that mainly presents information on the rhythm of the heart. Both tests are often used in combination and are supportive to each other.
An echocardiogram is also known as an ultrasound scan of the heart, an echo, or sonar of the heart. EKG is also known as an ECG or an electrocardiogram. Both of these tests are regarded as non-invasive cardiovascular testing. Patients are not expected to feel any pain from either test. This is in contrast to invasive tests such as heart catheterization.
When Are They Requested?
The EKG is the most commonly ordered heart test. Basically every patient every evaluated for heart-related symptoms. It can also be considered a screening test that is done in almost everyone that has a history and physical. The echocardiogram is also very generally used but not as common as the EKG. The echo is more particularly directed when there are signs and symptoms of heart disease present.
How Are They Done?
EKG — Ten small sticky pads on various places on the chest wall then leads from the EKG machine are attached. These leads transfer data that use the electric activity of the heart to produce a tracing. The test itself takes about 5 minutes. Most of that is implementing the leads; the tracing itself takes seconds to generate only.
Echocardiogram — Patients are provided a dress to wear and lie on a table particularly designed to execute the echocardiogram. Patients will commonly lie on the left-hand side. Ultrasound gel is used in different areas of the chest wall then the ultrasound probe placed on the chest and the pictures taken. In most cases, about twenty minutes is required to complete the test. Five minutes of that is likely used in the preparation and fifteen minutes used to take the pictures. In some cases based upon on the specific information needed the test can take longer.
Information Do They Deliver
It gives information and facts on the rhythm and rate of the heart. Outside of heart rhythm disorders, abnormal heart tracings can point towards various disease states. Heart rhythm disordered may involve a rapid heart rate, low heart rate (bradycardia), heart blocks; abnormal heartbeats. In addition, it can deliver signs regarding the enlargement of heart chambers and heart muscle abnormalities. An extremely essential use of the EKG heart tracing is in the evaluation of suspected heart attacks. The EKG is the emergent test of option in patients with chest pain.
The echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart that displays moving pictures that show the structure and function of the heart. It indicates accurate information on the heart pumping function and heart chamber sizes. For this reason, they are a valuable test in the evaluation of heart failure. Echocardiograms also supply highly accurate details on heart valve function. They can be used to recognize leaky or tight heart valves. While the EKG can supply signs to many of these diagnoses, the echocardiogram is regarded as much more accurate for heart structure and function.
For more information follow Dr. Jose Poulose who served as a Senior Consultant at Bioscience clinical laboratory at Port Washington, New York.
