Are you due for your yearly health check-up or are you seeking medical attention for potential heart concerns? In either scenario, an echocardiogram will likely be required. This non-invasive ultrasound procedure is crucial in monitoring the health of your heart and ensuring early detection of any issues or abnormalities.
If your doctors have recommended an echocardiogram, do not hesitate – it could be a sign that your heart needs assistance. Here’s a guide to echocardiograms below.
Why Get an Echocardiogram?
A doctor may require an echocardiogram (ECHO) to further investigate the health of your heart during an examination or when signs and symptoms present in your condition may be pointing toward potential heart disease. The echocardiogram will allow them to analyze any damage to heart muscle, valve problems, and irregular blood flow.
Are you experiencing chest pain or discomfort, swelling in the lungs, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat? These could be signs and symptoms that lead to needing an echocardiogram.
During the exam, doctors may also detect a murmur or monitor your heart health during a yearly check-up. If surgery is in your future, an echocardiogram is a crucial tool for monitoring the condition of your heart before and after the procedure. Your doctor may decide to only proceed with an operation if they deem your heart capable of handling the procedure. Your doctor will then monitor your heart post-surgery to avoid any potential complications.
Types of Echocardiograms
There are four different types of echocardiograms a doctor may recommend depending on your needs: a transthoracic echocardiogram, a transesophageal echocardiogram, a fetal echocardiogram, and a stress echocardiogram.
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is the standard heart ultrasound procedure that is most commonly performed. It is non-invasive and allows the doctor to capture images of blood flowing through the heart and its valves.
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is more invasive compared to a TTE but provides more accurate information. It captures images of the heart and its main artery, the aorta, from inside the body. Due to its complexity, there are more risks to performing a TEE.
A fetal echocardiogram is performed on pregnant women to monitor the heart of the baby while it is still inside the womb. This non-invasive procedure eliminates the need for surgery or X-rays, providing a safer and more comfortable experience.
Similarly, a stress echocardiogram lets your doctor observe how your heart responds to physical activity, guiding our approach to treatment with greater precision and effectiveness.
How Are Echocardiograms Performed?
Echocardiograms are typically performed by a physician or technologist accompanied by a nurse. Preparing for them is not complicated. Except for transesophageal echocardiograms, you will not be required to fast prior to the procedure. You will also need to check with your doctors regarding any medications you are taking.
An echocardiogram typically takes around 40 minutes. Here is what you can expect during your procedure:
- Remove any clothing. This includes any jewelry.
- You will be required to wear a hospital gown during the procedure.
- Lie down on a bed and position the body as instructed.
- You will be connected to an ECHO monitor using small adhesive electrodes. After which, the room will be darkened.
- The doctor or technologist will apply the warmed gel to your body.
- They will then place a transducer probe on the gel and press it against parts of your body to capture the desired image(s).
- You may be asked to take a deep breath, hold your breath, cough, or sniff while they look for the best angle.
- After the procedure, the gel will be wiped off your chest. You may then get changed back into your clothes.
Understanding the Results
After the procedure, the results of an ECHO will be interpreted and analyzed by your doctor. An ECHO can reveal heart disease, defects, and irregular masses. Any further procedures may be recommended depending on what is found. Heart examinations typically include an electrocardiogram(EKG) along with an ECHO. Results can take up to 5 days until a doctor is able to interpret it.
Here are some conditions an echocardiogram can reveal:
- Congenital Heart Disease—Defects that manifest in the heart structures during the formation of the fetus.
- Heart Valve Disease—Malfunction of one or more heart valves causing irregular blood flow in the heart.
- Aneurysms—A widening and weakening of a heart muscle’s part of the aorta.
- Cardiac Tumor—A tumor that grows on the heart’s exterior, within a chamber, or within a muscle tissue of the heart.
- Cardiomyopathy—Thick or weak heart muscles that cause enlargement.
Heart Diagnostic Services in South Carolina
Are you experiencing any symptoms that may be caused by heart disease? If so, then it might be time to visit your doctor and undergo an echocardiogram. The quick and non-invasive procedure may reveal any underlying heart disease that you were previously unaware of. Diagnosing them early can help save your life and ensure good health. You can also visit your healthcare provider yearly to monitor your heart regularly.
For any concerns regarding your heart, contact our health providers at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation. Call our office at (803) 749-1111 or make use of our walk-in clinic. You can also request an appointment online for individualized care. We offer state-of-the-art services and cutting-edge technology to ensure your well-being with compassion, kindness, and warmth.
