How is an echo different to an ECG?

An ECG (or electrocardiogram) is a 10 second assessment of the heart’s rhythm performed using stickers and wires. An ECG is an essential test for anybody concerned about their heart rhythm – particularly those people with a history of palpitations or dizziness. Whilst an abnormal ECG can also suggest underlying heart muscle disease, it cannot visualise the heart directly. By contrast, an echo uses ultrasound to create real-time images of the heart, and therefore provides important additional information about cardiac structure and function.