You’ve had a stress electrocardiogram (EKG) and now your doctor wants you to get a stress echocardiogram (echo). You’re wondering about the difference between the two tests and why you need both.
“When you have an EKG, your heart’s electrical efficiency is measured – we look to see if the pattern is normal, too fast, too slow or erratic,” says Julio Perez, MD, Director of Echocardiography for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. “We can also learn if there is abnormality in the shape or size of the heart. An EKG is a good first test, and can show when there is an irregularity that would be associated with heart disease.”
However, an EKG is not very accurate in evaluating the pumping ability of the heart. For that, an echocardiogram is recommended.
According to Dr. Perez, “An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound of the heart. It shows the internal structure, and how the blood flows through it. The echo measures the size and shape of the heart, how well the valves are functioning, how the left and right side communicate, and the velocity of the blood leaving the heart.”
The echo is used to diagnose coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, enlargement or thickening of the heart muscle. Dr. Perez adds, “The stress echo combines the information from an EKG and the echo into one test. It can raise the accuracy of the diagnostic test into the 80th percentile. Echos are especially helpful in diagnosing heart problems in women.”
EKGs and echos are ordered by physicians or cardiologists who will interpret the results. Both tests are non-invasive – electrodes are placed on the chest while you exercise. With echo, a wand is also moved across your chest. Your physician is contacted immediately if the test is positive, so you can be evaluated further.
If your physician recommends an echocardiogram, please have him or her call 314-454-7911 for an appointment. Echos are performed at five convenient locations:
Center for Advanced Medicine
4921 Parkview Place
St. Louis, MO 63110
Barnes-Jewish Hospital (South)
One Barnes-Jewish Hospital Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63110
Heart Care Institute in West County
1020 N. Mason Road, Building 3
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Heart Care Institute in South County
11124 South Towne Square
St. Louis, MO 63123
Phelps County Medical Center
1050 W. 10th Street, Suite 500
Rolla, MO 65401