Cardiovascular Test vs. ECG: What’s the Difference and When Do You Need One?
When it comes to assessing heart health, two terms that often come up are the cardiovascular test and the ECG (electrocardiogram) . While they may sound similar, they serve different purposes and provide different insights into how your heart is functioning. What Is a Cardiovascular Test? A cardiovascular test is a broad term that refers to any diagnostic exam used to evaluate the function and structure of the heart and blood vessels. These tests include: ECG (Electrocardiogram) Echocardiogram Stress test (treadmill test) Cardiac CT or MRI Blood pressure monitoring Each test offers unique information. For instance, a stress test evaluates heart performance under physical exertion, while an echocardiogram uses ultrasound to examine heart valves and chambers. Cardiovascular tests can be done in clinics, hospitals, or outpatient centers and are typically recommended based on your symptoms or risk factors. What Is an ECG? An ECG , or electrocardiogram, is a specific type of cardiova...