Echocardiograms are easily accessible and well-tolerated imaging assessments of the heart. They visualize and measure heart size, structure and blood flow. As such, they are invaluable tools which monitor cardiovascular disease and abnormalities in structure and function. Here is more information about echocardiograms and how they can be used to monitor your cardiac health.
What Is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic test which employs sound waves to create real-time and still images of the heart. An echocardiogram resembles a prenatal ultrasound. However, instead of taking pictures of a baby in utero (in the womb), it creates images of the beating heart.
Echocardiography is one of many innovative tests which help healthcare providers diagnose cardiovascular disease or abnormalities and to manage their treatment. “Echos” measure heart wall and chamber size, picture heart valves as they open and close (the aortic valve as an example) and show how well the heart pumps blood.
What Are the Benefits of Echocardiograms?
Echocardiograms are essential tools for monitoring heart health. They can reveal issues such as enlarged chambers, weakened heart muscles and blocked blood vessels. By regularly performing echocardiograms on at-risk patients, physicians track any changes in or progression of heart disease. They then can adjust treatments accordingly.
Additionally, echocardiograms take a relatively short time to perform–typically, 40 to 90 minutes. Patients tolerate echocardiograms well as these tests are non-invasive, with the exception of transesophageal echos (TEEs). Unlike X-rays or even CT scans, they deliver no radiation to the body whatsoever. As such, they are highly safe for people at any age and health status.
The most common types of echos simply involve placing conductive gel on the chest and running a transducer over the skin. When the tests are completed, the examiner removes the gel. The patient dresses and returns to home or work, typically resuming all normal activities.
What Are the Different Types of Echocardiograms?
There are a few different kinds of echocardiograms. Each has a specific desired outcome which physicians use in diagnosing and planning care.
The types of echocardiograms include the following:
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
This is the most common type of echocardiogram. It involves placing a transducer on the skin to send soundwaves through the chest wall.
The sound waves bounce off the heart and produce images of its intricate structures. A TTE also tells providers about the electrical activity of the heart muscle, or myocardium.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
A TEE provides a more detailed view of the heart than a transthoracic echocardiogram does. In this minimally invasive procedure, a small transducer is passed down the throat and into the esophagus, directly behind the heart.
The TEE renders clear images of the heart’s structures and function without interference from other body tissues. A TEE may be ordered when there are particular concerns about the structure or function of the heart valves.
Stress Echocardiogram
This kind of echocardiogram combines an exercise stress test with imaging of the heart before, during and after physical activity. It helps doctors evaluate how well the heart operates and is perfused with blood during exertion.
Doctors may order this test to reveal reasons for chest pain or shortness of breath. These symptoms may be related to coronary artery disease, valve problems or other cardiovascular conditions.
Doppler Echocardiogram
A Doppler echocardiogram–also known as color Doppler imaging–uses sound waves to generate accurate images of the heart’s structures and blood flow patterns. This type of echocardiogram helps with heart conditions which impact blood flow, such as aortic stenosis, or regurgitation, mitral valve prolapse and abnormalities in the structure or function of the heart chambers.
Echocardiograms in Irmo, SC
At South Carolina Internal Medicine and Rehabilitation, our healthcare providers use echocardiography to diagnose a number of heart problems and to plan effective treatment options. We perform our tests onsite so both patients and physicians get the information they need quickly and accurately.
To learn more about echocardiograms or to schedule your test, call our office team at (803) 749-1111. You can request your visit by filling in our online form as well.
We are ready to help you get the best possible cardiac assessments and treatments and to keep your heart healthy for years to come. Call us today!
