An Echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that provides a moving image of the heart with the help of ultrasounds. This test allows us to see how the heart beats and pumps blood. The Doctor can identify heart disease from the images that an Echocardiogram shows.
Depending on the information the doctor needs, he or she may perform one of several types of Echocardiograms. Every kind of Echocardiogram may involve some or no risk.
Your Doctor may ask you to have this test done to see:
The heart’s anatomy includes cardiac cavities, valve movement, and any anomalies.
Heart’s functionality: to see if the cavities move accordingly if the valves open and close correctly.
It is very useful for diagnosing cardiac and vascular diseases.
Without any risk: Echocardiograms are harmless and can be performed on any person, under any circumstance, anywhere.
Painless: It does not produce any pain or cause any secondary effect.
Patients may remain to lie down and relax. The gel will be applied to their chest. Then, in the same zone, a small device will be placed that transmits the image of the heart to the screen. The test usually takes less than an hour.
No special preparation is necessary before a standard Echocardiogram. You can eat, drink, and take medicines as usual.
If you have a Transesophageal Echocardiogram instead, your doctor may ask you to fast for a few hours before the test.
The Echocardiogram uses high-frequency ultrasound emitted by a probe. The ultrasounds are reflected off the tissues and are received by the probe. The Echocardiography device elaborates on the image with the information received by the probe and emits it on a video screen. There are different types of Echocardiograms:
Transthoracic (Standard) Echocardiogram: This is done through the chest wall.
During the procedure:
You will need to undress from the waist up and lie on an exam table.
The trained Echocardiogram Technician (Sonogram Technician) will place adhesive patches (electrodes) on your body to detect and conduct the electrical currents of your heart.
The trained Echocardiogram Technician will apply a gel to help conduct the sound waves.
The Technician trained to perform Echocardiograms will record the images from the sound wave echoes of the heart.
You may be asked to breathe a certain way or to turn on your left side.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram: If it is difficult to see the heart images taken by a Transthoracic Echocardiogram, this type of Echocardiogram may be recommended.
During the procedure:
Your throat is anesthetized, and you are given medicine to help you relax.
A flexible tube containing a transducer is inserted down your throat and passed through the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach.
This tool records the echoes of the sound waves coming from your heart.
A computer converts the echoes into detailed motion pictures of your heart.
Stress Echocardiogram: Some heart problems, such as those involving the coronary arteries, occur only during physical activity. The Doctor may recommend a stress echocardiogram or a stress test.
During the procedure:
1. You are asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike to take pictures of your heart before and immediately after physical exertion.
2. If you can't do these exercises, an injection can be given to get your heart pumping as fast as possible as if you were doing physical activity.
Most people can resume normal daily activities after an echocardiogram.
Some of the conditions that an Echo may indicate:
Changes in the size of the heart
Angina pectoris
Heart arrhythmias
Congenital heart disease
Heart failure
Heart problems in the heart's chambers, abnormal connections between the heart and blood vessels, and so on.
Pumping force: percentage of the blood being pumped out of an entire ventricle with each beat and volume of blood being pumped out of the heart in one minute
Valve problems -- knowing whether the heart valves open enough to allow proper blood flow or close completely to prevent blood from leaking
High blood pressure
Acute myocardial infarction
Heart muscle damage - Areas of the heart that move weakly may have been damaged during a heart attack or receive too little oxygen.
Your test results will be given to your Cardiologist, who will interpret them and tell you the plan to start your recovery. Book your appointment at the Heart Center Los Cabos.
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