Echocardiogram is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. During an echocardiogram, a technician will use ultrasound technology to take pictures of the heart while it is beating. The test can help diagnose problems with the heart’s valves or chambers, as well as any other structural issues in the organ itself.
If you are concerned about the risks associated with an echocardiogram, it helps to know more about the procedure to allay your fears. Echocardiogram is among the safest medical imaging techniques available.
What To Expect From an Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram provides a lot of information to your doctor about your heart, such as chamber size, valve function, blood flow, and overall heart function, all of which are useful in diagnostics and treatment. The way to take images of your heart during an echocardiogram is through a hand-held transducer, which an ultrasound technician moves through the skin over your chest, as it releases sound waves that bounce off the heart structures, which are then recorded on a computer.
Patients have reported very minimal discomfort, and only due to the ultrasound gel placed on the skin to make the transducer move along easily. For some, there is some mild discomfort from the pressure of the transducer on the chest during imaging, although this is a rare occurrence. An echocardiogram, being an ultrasound test, uses no potentially harmful radiation. Sound waves are so safe that ultrasound is the preferred medical imaging test used to assess fetal development.
With all things considered, an echocardiogram is safe, painless, and poses virtually no risks. If you have concerns about your upcoming echocardiogram, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor, so your worries can be appropriately addressed and you are provided with the right information to make sound decisions about your health. Your choice of echocardiogram provider can make the most significant difference in how you experience the test.
Which Types of Echocardiograms Carry Risks?
There are some types of echocardiograms that may carry a higher risk of negative reactions, such as the transesophageal echocardiogram, which involves the use of a sedative, since it involves putting a tube down the throat that may cause throat irritation. Echocardiograms that use contrast material to assess the heart and blood flow clearly may also cause a negative reaction in some who are allergic to the dye. Your doctor will discuss these factors with you if one of these echocardiograms is recommended for you.
Echocardiogram in Irmo, SC
The risks associated with not having an echocardiogram when you clearly need one may be higher than undergoing one. If you are looking for a clinic to have your echocardiogram with caring and compassionate staff who will make you feel comfortable and relaxed, choose SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation. We are a primary care facility offering a range of diagnostic services, including echocardiograms or echo tests.
At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, we understand patients who may be feeling anxiety over their upcoming diagnostic testing and work hard to make it a positive experience. For any questions or to schedule your echocardiogram, call our office today at (803) 749-1111 or use our convenient online request form.
