Echocardiogram Specialist

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that evaluates the structures of your heart and how well it’s working.

During the test, your provider uses a transducer that sends sound waves into your body. These sound waves bounce off your heart and then go back to the transducer. The information goes to a computer that translates the sound waves into images. 

The echocardiogram also assesses the movement of blood through your heart. This procedure is known as a Doppler ultrasound. 

Why would I need an echocardiogram?

Your physician at Cardiac Care Consultants reviews in detail why you need an echocardiogram. They may recommend an echocardiogram if they have concerns about the chambers or valves in your heart.

They also perform the test on patients with complaints of dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain and want to confirm or rule out a heart condition that might be causing the symptoms.

An echocardiogram also helps diagnose structural abnormalities in the heart. 

What happens during an echocardiogram?

There are many types of echocardiograms, and the specifics of your test may depend on the type. However, echocardiograms are safe and relatively painless diagnostic tests. 

After you change into an exam gown, your provider attaches electrodes to your chest and hooks them up to the electrocardiogram (EKG) to monitor the electrical activity of your heart during the test. 

You lie on your left side on the exam chair, and the technician applies a special gel to your chest and glides the transducer over your skin to generate the images. You may need to change positions a few times during your imaging test.

The diagnostic test takes less than an hour, and there’s no downtime afterward. 

What happens after an echocardiogram?

You can resume your usual activities after your echocardiogram unless otherwise directed by your cardiologist. Your provider may discuss their preliminary findings immediately following your echocardiogram.

Your physician uses the data collected during your echocardiogram to make an assessment and develop a treatment plan. You may need to return to the office to discuss the results and your treatment options.

An echocardiogram is a safe, painless diagnostic test that assesses heart health. To learn more, call the experts at Cardiac Care Consultants, or schedule a consultation online today.