Combining the versatility of sound wave technology with the precision of the electrocardiogram (EKG), an echocardiogram is an essential diagnostic tool whose purposes go beyond merely providing real-time images of your heart.
An echocardiogram shows your cardiologist how your heart looks and behaves as well as uncovers signs of potential structural abnormalities and disease. An echocardiogram provides your doctor with detailed information of the size and shape of your heart and the thickness of its chambers, among other important details.
Why You Might Need an Echocardiogram
Your doctor will order an echocardiogram if you have strong risk factors for heart disease or are showing symptoms thereof, such as:
- Palpitations
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Chest pains and heaviness
Heart Problems Detected with an Echocardiogram
With the results of your echocardiogram, along with those of the other tests, your cardiologist can diagnose any of the following heart problems:
- Aneurysm (abnormal swelling) in the major blood vessels of the heart
- Atherosclerosis (condition characterized by the buildup of fats and cholesterol in and on the walls of your arteries)
- Congenital heart defects
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart enlargement (cardiomyopathy)
- Infections, such as pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like structure with two thin layers of tissue surrounding your heart)
- Potential cardiac damage due to cancer treatment
- Problems with coronary artery stents
- Septal wall defects (involving the wall separating the two sides of the heart)
- Tumor
- Valve disease and defects
Types of Echocardiograms
The type of echocardiogram your doctor will order will depend on the information that they need to obtain.
Listed below are two of the most common types of echocardiograms:
o Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
TTE allow your doctor to examine your heart’s chambers, valves, and blood vessels for abnormalities and for detecting fluid buildup around your heart—a condition referred to as pericardial effusion.
o Stress Echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram utilizes traditional transthoracic echocardiography, but the procedure itself is performed before and after you’ve exercised or taken medications to make your heart pump as though you were exercising. A stress echocardiogram is aimed at evaluating how your heart functions under stress.
Echocardiogram in South Carolina
At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, we believe that conquering or successfully managing a health condition begins with an accurate diagnosis. With that in mind, our team of highly skilled providers is committed to providing the highest quality of comprehensive diagnostic services—all aimed at delivering not only reliable results but also the best patient experience.
To learn more about echocardiogram and the other diagnostic tests we perform on site or to schedule an appointment, call us at (803) 749-1111. You may also use this appointment request form. We look forward to helping you take better care of your health!
