Cardiovascular Study
ECG
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It’s a non-invasive and painless test that’s used to:
1. Diagnose heart conditions, such as arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
2. Monitor the heart’s electrical activity during exercise or stress tests.
3. Check the effectiveness of certain medications.
The ECG test provides valuable information about the heart’s rhythm, rate, and electrical activity, which can help healthcare professionals make informed decisions about your heart health.
Echo Cardiography
Echocardiography, also known as an echo, is a non-invasive medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart and its blood vessels. It’s a painless and risk-free test that provides valuable information about the heart’s structure and function.
Echocardiography can help diagnose and monitor conditions such as:
1. Heart valve problems
2. Heart failure
3. Coronary artery disease
4. Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) 5. Congenital heart defects
6. Blood clots or tumors in the heart
There are different types of echocardiograms, including:
1. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE): The most common type, where the probe is placed on the chest.
2. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE): The probe is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus for a closer look at the heart.
3. Stress echocardiogram: Performed during physical activity or with medication to assess heart function under stress. 4. Contrast echocardiogram: Uses a special dye to enhance image quality.
Echocardiography is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals to assess heart health and make informed decisions about treatment.