DIAGNOSTIC METHODS IN CARDIOLOGY: THE ROLE OF ECG, ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, AND CT IMAGING

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating accurate and timely diagnostic methods in cardiology. Among the most widely used modalities are electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (ECHO), and computed tomography (CT), each providing unique insights into cardiac function and structure. ECG is a simple, cost-effective, and non-invasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart, making it invaluable in detecting arrhythmias, ischemia, and myocardial infarction. Echocardiography, on the other hand, utilizes ultrasound waves to visualize the heart’s anatomy, assess chamber size, wall motion, and valvular function, and is essential in diagnosing structural heart diseases. Computed tomography, especially coronary CT angiography (CCTA), offers high-resolution three-dimensional imaging of coronary arteries, facilitating early detection of atherosclerotic lesions and stenosis.