Q: What is the difference between 2D echo and a Stress Test? What are seen in the former and in the latter?

A:Two dimensional echocardiography is an investigation which visualises the structure and functioning of the heart. It is done while the subject is at rest. Stress test is to evaluate the effect of exercise (which increases the heart rate and blood pressure) on the heart. It can be studied while ECG is being recorded or an echocardiographic evaluation is being done. It can also be done by some other imaging techniques like a thallium scan, etc (after injecting a radio isotope). These tests are useful in studying patients of suspected angina and following recovery from a heart attack to define the risk and need for angiography and further treatment.