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What's the Difference between an Echocardiogram and an Electrocardiogram?

When you’re experiencing heart problems, you need a highly skilled specialist with years of experience. That’s Dr. Fahmi Farah at Bentley Heart in Fort Worth, Texas

As a board-certified invasive and nuclear cardiologist and an adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, she is one of the state’s leading heart specialists and can help you understand your heart problems.

Dr. Farah often turns to two tried-and-true tests with similar-sounding names among her many diagnostic tools. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of echocardiograms and electrocardiograms 

1. Type of test

These two heart-monitoring tests use different technologies to gather information.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound-based test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of your heart’s structure and function.

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram (EKG) is an electrical test that measures the electrical activity of your heart using electrodes on your skin.

2. What the test detects

Echoes and EKGs detect different cardiac issues. 

Echocardiogram

  • Heart size and shape
  • Functionality of heart chambers and valves
  • Blood flow and pressure within the heart
  • Presence of clots, tumors, or infections

Electrocardiogram

  • Heart rhythm and rate
  • Electrical activity and impulses
  • Signs of heart attack or ischemia
  • Abnormalities in heart structure and function

Dr. Farah determines which test to use based on your symptoms.

3. What the tests tell us

Each test gives Dr. Farah unique information about your heart health, which helps her diagnose your conditions and develop the right treatment plan.

Echocardiogram

The echo gives Dr. Farah a visual and functional assessment of your heart, allowing her to see how it beats and pumps blood. This test provides her insights into structural abnormalities and tissue damage and lets her see if there’s fluid around your heart.

Electrocardiogram

The EKG records the electrical signals from your heart, helping Dr. Farah detect irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), past heart attacks, and other electrical cardiac issues.

4. Who needs which test?

Knowing when to use which test is Dr. Farah’s area of expertise. In general, here are some indicators for each.

Echocardiogram

You might need an echo if you have:

  • Suspected heart valve disease
  • Symptoms of heart failure (e.g., shortness of breath, fatigue)
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Unexplained chest pain or stroke

Electrocardiogram

You might need an EKG if you:

  • Are having chest pain or palpitations
  • Have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure
  • Are undergoing pre-surgical evaluations
  • Are on medications that may affect heart function

In some cases, Dr. Farah may order both tests.

5. What happens during the test?

Both the echo and the EKG are noninvasive and painless. Here’s what to expect:

Echocardiogram

  • You lie on a table
  • We apply gel to your chest and move a transducer over the area
  • The transducer sends sound waves to the heart, producing images on a monitor

Electrocardiogram

  • You lie on a table
  • We attach electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs
  • The electrodes record your heart’s electrical activity, which appears as waves on a graph

Neither test has side effects nor requires downtime.

6. How long does the test last?

Echocardiogram

Typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the level of detail required.

Electrocardiogram

Usually lasts about 5 to 10 minutes.

7. When are the results available?

Echocardiogram

Results are typically available within a few hours to a few days.

Electrocardiogram

Results are usually available immediately, allowing for quick diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

Both echocardiograms and electrocardiograms are invaluable tools in diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions. If you’re experiencing heart issues, call Bentley Heart or book online to talk with Dr. Farah about which cardiology test will help you get the answers and treatment you need.