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What Is An Echo Test Done For?
Question: I just had an EKG and it was normal. I'm having an echo on Tuesday. The reason that I was asked to do these tests is to see if I can join a doctor's non-surgical weight loss program. I'm overweight, obviously, and female, aged 46. I know a normal EKG doesn't mean a lot, but what are some good things that it means? And what will the echo tell me that an EKG can't tell me? My maternal grandmother was a smoker and had heart disease.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that ECG examines the electric function of your heart. It can exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia, conductance disorder or repolarization disorder. It can also indicate possible coronary artery disease.
While cardiac ultrasound is another test, helpful to examine the cardiac structure and its function ( cardiac chambers and the blood flow in them).
These cardiac tests are usually complementary to each other in order to have a more complete exam of the heart.
A normal ECG means that you have a normal heart rhythm, no signs of cardiac ischemia at resting, no signs of conductance disorder which cal lead to cardiac arrhythmia.
Your family history does not mean that you will suffer from any cardiac disorders. From the other hand your grandmother smoked (which is a cardio-vascular risk factor).
These cardiac tests are done to exclude possible cardiac disorders (arrhythmia or cardiac structure) which can lead to possible complications during the weight loss program (which can impose a certain stress into your body and heart) and avoid possible adverse effects of the program which are more prominent in cardiac patients.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern and would explain that ECG examines the electric function of your heart. It can exclude possible cardiac arrhythmia, conductance disorder or repolarization disorder. It can also indicate possible coronary artery disease.
While cardiac ultrasound is another test, helpful to examine the cardiac structure and its function ( cardiac chambers and the blood flow in them).
These cardiac tests are usually complementary to each other in order to have a more complete exam of the heart.
A normal ECG means that you have a normal heart rhythm, no signs of cardiac ischemia at resting, no signs of conductance disorder which cal lead to cardiac arrhythmia.
Your family history does not mean that you will suffer from any cardiac disorders. From the other hand your grandmother smoked (which is a cardio-vascular risk factor).
These cardiac tests are done to exclude possible cardiac disorders (arrhythmia or cardiac structure) which can lead to possible complications during the weight loss program (which can impose a certain stress into your body and heart) and avoid possible adverse effects of the program which are more prominent in cardiac patients.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Kind regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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