Echo Cardiology & Cardiac Technology

The difference between Cardiology, Cardiovascular Technology, Echo Cardiology (Echocardiography) and Cardiac Technology is given below:ParticularsCardiologyCardiovascular TechnologyEcho Cardiology (Echocardiography)Cardiac Care TechnologyFieldMedical SpecialtyAllied Health ProfessionSubspecialty of Cardiology and Cardiovascular TechnologyAllied Health ProfessionWhat it isCardiology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of heart diseases.Cardiologists are medical doctors (MBBS + MD/MS + DM Cardiology) who perform procedures like angioplasty, pacemaker insertion, and heart surgery.Cardiovascular Technology involves operating diagnostic equipment like ECG machines, stress tests, and catheterization labs to assist cardiologists.Technologists are responsible for handling equipment during heart procedures like angioplasty and cardiac catheterization.Echo Cardiology focuses on using ultrasound technology (Echocardiography) to create images of the heart.These images help diagnose heart valve diseases, congenital defects, and blood flow abnormalities.Cardiac Care Technology focuses on the monitoring and care of patients in Intensive Cardiac Care Units (ICCU/CCU).Technicians manage heart monitors, ventilators, and infusion pumps to ensure patients' vitals remain stable.RoleDiagnose heart diseases (e.g., heart attack, arrhythmia, heart failure).Prescribe medications and lifestyle changes.Perform advanced medical procedures (angiography, stent placement).Operate and maintain ECG, ECHO, and Holter monitors.Assist cardiologists during cardiac surgeries and catheterization.Perform diagnostic tests like stress tests and Doppler studies.Perform Echocardiograms (ECHO) to assess heart structure and function.Assist doctors in diagnosing heart conditions using ultrasound.Handle equipment like Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) machines.Monitor patients' heart rhythms, blood pressure, and oxygen levels.Operate ICCU equipment like ventilators and cardiac monitors.Assist doctors in emergency heart care situations.Key Differences at a GlanceFieldProfessionalsFocusKey SkillsCardiologyCardiologists (Doctors)Diagnosis and treatment of heart diseasesPerforming surgeries & proceduresCardiovascular TechnologyCardiovascular TechnologistsOperating diagnostic equipmentECG, stress tests, catheterizationEcho CardiologyEcho TechniciansUsing ultrasound for heart imagingECHO, Doppler, TEECardiac TechnologyCardiac TechnologistsAssisting in invasive cardiac proceduresCath lab operations, pacemaker insertionCardiac Care TechnologyCardiac Care TechniciansMonitoring patients in ICCU/CCUOperating cardiac monitors, ventilators

The syllabus for the B.Sc. in Cardiac Perfusion Technology ordinarily comprises subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and medical instrumentation. Students study the cardiovascular system, respiratory and renal systems, and the basics of medical technologies involved in perfusion, including heart-lung machines and monitoring devices. The curriculum comprises practical training, focusing on the management of cardiopulmonary bypass, cardioplegia, blood conservation techniques, and the management of specific cardiac conditions. Other areas of emphasis include specialised cardiac procedures and a clinical component dealing with surgical procedures, such as aortic surgery.