Echocardiogram vs Ultrasound of Heart
An echocardiogram and a cardiac ultrasound are the same examination—these terms are interchangeable and both refer to the use of ultrasound technology to image the heart's structure and function. 1
Terminology Clarification
The term "echocardiography" is the formal medical terminology that encompasses all forms of cardiac ultrasound imaging. 1 According to ACC/AHA guidelines, echocardiography is defined as "an examination technique that provides images of cardiac and great vessel anatomy and blood flow by ultrasound." 1
What "Echocardiography" Includes
All of the following modalities fall under the umbrella term "echocardiography": 1
- M-mode echocardiography (one-dimensional motion display)
- Two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography (cross-sectional imaging)
- Color flow Doppler imaging (blood flow visualization)
- Transthoracic approach (standard external chest wall imaging)
- Transesophageal approach (imaging via esophagus)
Clinical Characteristics
Echocardiography/cardiac ultrasound is the noninvasive diagnostic method of choice for evaluating cardiac structure and function. 1 The examination provides several key advantages: 1
- No ionizing radiation exposure (unlike CT or catheterization)
- Minimal to no patient discomfort when performed transthoracically
- No associated patient risk with standard transthoracic approach
- Portable instrumentation allowing bedside evaluation
- Repeatable without safety concerns for serial monitoring
- Provides real-time imaging of cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics 1
Diagnostic Capabilities
The examination provides comprehensive assessment of: 1
- Cardiac chamber size and wall thickness
- Valvular structure and function (stenosis and regurgitation severity)
- Ventricular systolic and diastolic function
- Pericardial disease
- Intracardiac masses and thrombi
- Hemodynamic parameters including pressure gradients and valve areas
For many types of valvular and congenital heart disease, echocardiography has replaced cardiac catheterization as the definitive diagnostic study, and selected patients may undergo surgical therapy based on echocardiographic data alone. 1
Common Pitfall
The only potential confusion arises from colloquial usage where some patients or non-medical personnel may use "ultrasound" to refer to other types of ultrasound examinations (abdominal, vascular, obstetric). However, when specifically referring to cardiac evaluation, "ultrasound of the heart" and "echocardiogram" are identical procedures. 1
Modern Applications
Contemporary echocardiography has evolved into a sophisticated modality capable of: 2
- Detailed anatomic assessment using standardized protocols
- 3D imaging capabilities for complex structural evaluation 3
- Stress echocardiography for ischemia detection 1, 3
- Emergency cardiovascular assessment with immediate bedside availability 1
The examination should always be performed and interpreted in the context of the patient's complete clinical presentation, physical examination findings, and medical history. 1