Echocardiograms are just one of the many cardiac imaging tests used by healthcare providers. Cardiac imaging helps in screening and diagnosing heart conditions. These imaging tests can find the cause of cardiovascular symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain.
Echocardiograms also help your medical team monitor your heart in case you are already undergoing treatment. If you are thinking of getting an echocardiogram, here is a comprehensive guide on the topic.
What are Echocardiograms?
An echocardiogram (echo) is the graphic outline of the heart produced by ultrasound. By using a handheld wand, your healthcare provider takes pictures of the various sections of your heart.
The procedure does not use radiation. A cardiac sonographer performs echocardiograms. You can get an echo from hospitals, catheterization laboratories, and diagnostic centers. The test usually takes around 40 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of echocardiogram you are planning to get done.
You may get recommended for an echocardiogram if you are getting screened for heart diseases or if you have pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. If you recently had surgery, your healthcare provider may opt for an echo to check the outcome post-procedure.
Common Heart Conditions Detected by Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram can detect the following heart conditions:
- Cardiomyopathy – A disease that primarily affects heart muscles.
- Congenital heart disease – A type of heart disease that exists since birth and can be hereditary.
- Infective endocarditis – A disease that inflames the lining of the heart valves or chambers.
- Pericardial diseases – These are diseases that affect the pericardium, a fluid-filled, two-layered sac that covers the outer surface of the heart.
- Heart valve disease – These are conditions that prevent the heart valves from working properly.
Echocardiograms can also indicate signs of:
- Aortic aneurysm – A bulge in the aortic wall, the largest artery in the heart.
- Blood clots – Gel-like masses that form in the veins or arteries.
- Cardiac tumors – Abnormal tissue growth in the heart.
Types of Echocardiograms
There are different types of echocardiograms. The one selected for you will be based on the information the imaging test produces and what your doctor deems necessary for your particular situation. These are:
- Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) – A standard echocardiogram uses non-invasive ultrasound to obtain images of the heart from outside the body.
- Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) – This procedure examines the aortic valve and inner chambers of the heart. It creates detailed images of the heart from inside the body.
- Stress echocardiogram – This procedure checks how the heart responds to stress before and after performing physical activity.
Techniques Used in Producing Echocardiograms
Your healthcare provider will decide on which technique will produce the best echocardiogram results depending on your condition. Here are the techniques they may employ:
- Two-Dimensional (2D) Ultrasound – This is the most often used approach in producing echocardiograms. This ultrasound produces 2D images that can be stacked to create a 3D structure.
- Three-Dimensional (3D) Ultrasound – This technique utilizes advanced technology to show different aspects of your heart, as well as capture 3D images from different angles.
- Strain Imaging – This approach shows how your heart muscles move and is used to catch early-onset heart diseases.
- Contrast Imaging – In this approach, a contrast agent is inserted into the veins and helps create sharper details in the produced images.
- Doppler and Color Doppler Ultrasound – A Doppler ultrasound shows how fast your heart flows, while a color Doppler ultrasound can produce the same results using different colors to highlight blood flow better.
How to Prepare and What to Expect from an Echocardiogram
Because there are different types of echocardiograms, there are also different methods to prepare for and what to expect from the procedure.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
For a TTE procedure, the technician uses a hand-held transducer (ultrasound wand) that will send sound waves through your chest. There is a small amount of gel on the wand to help produce clear pictures. They will also place patches of electrodes on your chest to measure your heart’s electrical activity. This test is also called electrocardiogram (EKG).
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
This minimally invasive procedure involves getting detailed images of the heart internally. The technician uses a long flexible tube to guide a transducer down the throat and esophagus. This method is employed when checking for blood clots and lung disorders, or when detailed images of the inner chambers of the heart are required.
Stress Echocardiogram
During a stress echocardiogram, you will be asked to exercise, such as walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike. In some cases, your healthcare provider may opt to give you medication that will induce heart activity as if you were exercising. The technician will record your heart activity, such as heart rate and rhythm, before and after the activity.
After the imaging procedure, your healthcare provider will examine the images to assess your heart’s condition. In some cases, additional testing or a referral to a cardiologist may be necessary for a diagnosis.
Heart Imaging Clinic in Irmo, South Carolina
It’s important to get your echocardiogram with a medical team you can trust. At South Carolina Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, we offer one-on-one, individualized care for all of our patients. Our independent practice provides efficient and compassionate care, including diagnostic imaging tests such as echocardiograms. Our walk-in clinic ensures that you will get patient-centered care through a variety of on-site services as soon as you step in.
If you’d like to learn more about the services we offer, you may reach our friendly offices at (803) 749-1111 or schedule an appointment using our online appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
