An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. The test is also called an echo test and is usually over in an hour or less. An echocardiogram can be used to diagnose problems with the heart’s valves or chambers or assess how well the heart is pumping blood, which gives the doctor useful information about the heart’s condition.
You may need an echocardiogram if you have symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat. Or you may need this test if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of cardiovascular disease, or smoking.
An echocardiogram is a very useful tool for assessing heart health and planning a patient’s treatment. Here are 4 facts that are interesting to know before you have an echocardiogram.
#1 It Uses Ultrasound Technology
During an echocardiogram procedure, a gel is applied to your chest and a hand-held device called a transducer is placed on top of it. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off your heart and produce echoes. These echoes are then converted into moving images that appear on a monitor in real time, so that trained professionals can assess them for any abnormalities present within different areas, including the size and functioning of the chambers and valves.
#2 There Are Different Types of Echocardiograms
There are two main types: Transthoracic (TTE) and Transesophageal(TEE) echocardiograms. The former being less invasive, only requires a placement on the exterior skin surface, while the latter necessitates insertion down the throat but provides much clearer pictures, given its closer proximity to the organ being examined. A TEE is typically recommended only if the provider needs more detailed images based on the results of the TTE.
Other specialized types exist, too, like the stress echo, which is used to evaluate how well the heart muscle works to pump blood during exercise.
#3 There is Little Or No Risk Involved
There are no risks that can come from having a transthoracic (TTE) echocardiogram, which is non-invasive and the most performed echocardiogram. If a contrast agent is used, it is given through an injection and should not cause any pain or complications.
#4 There is No Downtime Afterward
You can generally resume all normal activities immediately post-completion of an echocardiogram. There is no downtime, as it is non-invasive, requiring no sedation or anesthesia. It’s the perfect test to get done on a busy day during your lunch break.
All in all, an echocardiogram is a highly useful diagnostic tool, helping save countless lives each year by allowing early detection and treatment of various forms of cardiovascular disease.
Echocardiogram in Irmo, SC
SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation is a primary care practice that offers a range of diagnostic tools to assess health and wellness, including echocardiogram. We provide a caring and compassionate environment for all our patients. We will carefully walk you through what each test or scan will entail and assist you throughout. Let us know of any concerns and we will do our best to address them. To schedule your echo test, call our office today at (803) 749-1111, or use our convenient online request form.
