Protect Your Heart During Men’s Health Month
At Culbertson Memorial Hospital, we’re proud to celebrate Men’s Health Month in June by building awareness for a lifesaving look at your heart’s function.
When it comes to men’s heart health, two of the most common tests your doctor may recommend are the echocardiogram(ECHO) and the electrocardiogram (EKG). Though their names sound similar, they are very different tools with distinct purposes.
Echocardiogram: A Visual Look at Your Heart in Action
An echocardiogram —often called an “echo”—is an ultrasound that uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart. An echocardiogram can reveal:
- Heart size and shape
- How well the heart chambers and valves are working
- Pumping strength (ejection fraction)
- Blood flow through the heart
- Presence of clots, tumors, or fluid around the heart
- Damage from heart attacks or infections
Types of Echocardiograms
- Transthoracic (TTE): Standard, over-the-chest ultrasound
- Transesophageal (TEE): A probe goes down the esophagus for a closer view
- Stress Echo: Evaluates the heart under physical stress utilizing a treadmill and/or medication
- Doppler Echo: Measures blood flow and pressure inside the heart
What to Expect
An ECHO is a non-invasive test consists of a technician moving a probe across your chest using gel and can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
Diseases Diagnosed
- Arrhythmias
- Heart Attack
- Ischemia
- Heart Block
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Your Heart's Electrical Snapshot
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a diagnostic tool that records the heart’s electrical activity. Every heartbeat is triggered by an electrical signal, and the ECG captures these signals and displays them as waves on a screen or paper. An electrocardiogram can:
- Detect heart problems, such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart attacks, or poor blood flow.
- Monitor the heart’s condition in people with known heart disease.
- Check heart function before or after surgery or in people with symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
What to Expect
A technician will place small electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs. The test only takes a few minutes.
Diseases Diagnosed
- Congenital heart disease
- Cardiomyopathy
- Infective endocarditis
- Pericardial disease
- Valve disease
An echo can also show changes in your heart that could indicate:
- Aortic aneurysm
- Blood clots
- A cardiac tumor
Why It Matters for Men
Men are at a higher risk of developing heart disease earlier in life than women. Factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and stress significantly affect men’s cardiovascular health.
Take Control of Your Heart Health
Early detection is the key to prevention and better outcomes. Here at Culbertson Memorial Hospital, we offer a variety of cardiac diagnostic services. To schedule, please contact your primary care provider or cardiologist for a referral. Meredith Flemming and Elizabeth Lawler of Prairie Cardiovascular are available every Wednesday and the 4th Friday of the month. To schedule with them, call the Springfield office at (217) 546-1386 and specify you would like to be seen at the Culbertson Outpatient Specialty Clinic in Rushville. Dr. Erbert Caceres, MD sees patients on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Monday of each month. Please call (217) 322-7851 to schedule an appointment.