The Results?
The ultrasound images of your heart are reviewed and interpreted by one of our physicians, and the results are compiled into a written report which is sent to your referring physician. Information gained from this test helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
Echocardiography
What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is an imaging test using ultrasound waves to take pictures of the heart. It is a safe and painless procedure to help doctors evaluate many heart problems.
How does it work?
Similar to the sonograms done during pregnancy, an echocardiogram uses a probe (or transducer) which is gently moved across the chest by a technician. The transducer sends out ultrasound waves that reflect (echo) off the heart structures. This data is then converted by a computer into moving images of the heart. These images are displayed on a video screen (which you can watch) and are recorded on videotape or digital media.
What Does It Show?
The echocardiogram provides doctors with important information about the heart, including:
- Size. The echocardiogram measures the size of the heart chambers and thickness of the heart muscle.
- Strength. It shows how the heart is pumping, and whether there is any weakening or heart enlargement.
- Valves. It shows the shape, structure, motion, and function of the heart valves. It shows whether the valves are narrowed, weakened, or leaking, and accurately measures the severity of the problem.
- Other uses. The echocardiogram can visualize fluid around the heart, blood clots or masses inside the heart, abnormal holes between chambers, and other structures too.
What Happens During the Test?
Please allow one hour for the echocardiogram appointment, which includes the preparation and imaging time. Please bring an accurate list of your medications, or the medications in their original containers.
Wear comfortable clothing since you will be lying on an exam table while the sonographer takes your images. The echocardiogram is done in the doctor's office or the hospital. No special preparation is necessary. There are no dietary restrictions for this test. You will be asked to remove clothing above your waist, and put on a hospital gown to keep you warm and comfortable. You will then lie on an examination table.
Electrodes (small sticky patches) and wires are attached to your chest to record your electrocardiogram (ECG). The ECG shows your heart's electrical activity during the test. You will lie on your back or on your left side. To improve the pictures, a colorless gel is applied to your chest where the transducer is be placed. A sonographer moves the transducer over your chest to obtain different views of the heart. He or she may ask you change your position slightly. You may be asked to breathe slowly or hold your breath, to get a better image.
How Long Does It Take?
A thorough examination usually takes from 20 minutes to one hour, depending on body habitus and type of heart problem.
Is the Echocardiogram Safe?
The echocardiogram is very safe. There are no known risks from these ultrasound waves. The echocardiogram is also painless, although you may feel slight discomfort when the transducer is held against the chest.
What Are the Benefits?
One major benefit of the echocardiogram is that it provides a great deal of information about your heart's structure and function safely and non-invasively. The information from the echocardiogram helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that's best for you. The major limitation is that it is occasionally difficult to obtain good quality images in patients who have broad chests, are obese, or are suffering from chronic lung disease.
