An echocardiogram is one of the easiest diagnostic assessments someone can have, and yet, it yields a wealth of information about the heart’s function, structure, and vital capacity. If your doctor orders an “echo” for you, here’s everything you need to know about echocardiograms.
What Is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create still and real-time images of the heart. It allows the technician to measure the heart valves, chambers, and other structures and reveals how it operates throughout the cardiac cycle of pumping and receiving blood.
Most echocardiograms are transesophageal, i.e., the sound waves are delivered via a transducer inserted through the esophagus. Non-surgical echocardiograms use principles of ultrasonography and, therefore, require no dye for contrast. However, it is best to abstain from eating and drinking for a few hours before your test. Your PCP or cardiologist will tell you exactly what you need to prepare for your echocardiogram.
Also, expect the technician to attach an electrocardiogram (EKG) leads to your chest. These adhesive electrodes will be placed on various locations, such as the chest and legs. An EKG tracing will be obtained through the course of your echocardiogram.
How Long Does an Echocardiogram Take?
Most echocardiograms take about 30 minutes to complete. In the case of transthoracic echocardiograms, patients wear gowns open in the front to allow the technician to place a cool gel on the chest. Then, the handheld transducer glides over the front and side chest wall. Still, pictures and video images appear on a monitor near the exam table.
In the case of a transesophageal echocardiogram, an anesthetic spray numbs the back of the throat. Then, the doctor passes the transducer down the throat to the correct area in the chest.
What Does an Echo Tell My Doctor?
After your test, you return to your usual daily activities, including driving. Your PCP or cardiologist will interpret the test results and give you a report within hours or days.
The results will tell your doctor:
- If your heart has changed in size or shape (including if valves, chambers, and vessels, such as the aorta, are different from normal in any way)
- If your heart’s pumping power, or ejection fraction, is sufficient
- If you have damage from a heart attack or other disease process
- If your heart valves are misshapen or incompetent in that they allow for backflow of blood (regurgitation) to the heart
- About any congenital defects, such as atrial or ventricle septum defects
- If you have atrial fibrillation, which can cause blood clots
- If your heart rate is regular and beating within a normal range (60 to 100 beats per minute)
With these findings, your doctor can plan any necessary treatments to keep your heart as healthy and functional as possible.
Echocardiograms at South Carolina Internal Medicine, LLC
SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation is a premier primary care facility that is happy also to offer state-of-the-art on-site diagnostic testing for heart conditions. We are an independent practice, which means we can offer you quality, comprehensive, compassionate care, and accurate diagnoses. Our primary care doctors foster positive, long-term relationships with our patients.
To schedule a consultation with one of our doctors, call our office today at (803) 749-1111 or use our convenient online request form.
We look forward to offering you the same level of care and service.
