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 ... [Read More]
Cardiovascular
Understanding the Importance of Echocardiography in Cardiovascular Diagnosis
Echocardiography, commonly referred to as an 'echo,' is an indispensable tool in modern cardiology. This non-invasive diagnostic procedure, akin to a cardiac ultrasound, allows healthcare providers to visualize the heart in motion. Its introduction has significantly enhanced our ability to diagnose and monitor various heart conditions, eliminating the need for more invasive techniques. How Echocardiography Helps Spot Different Heart Issues When it comes to figuring out heart problems, ... [Read More]
Interpreting Your Results After an Echocardiogram
If your recent checkup uncovered a possible heart issue, your internist may have ordered an echocardiogram. This is an ultrasound of the heart, showing real-time video of its function and structure just like an ultrasound of a fetus during a pregnancy. Note that this is different than an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which is a graph-like tracking of a heart’s rhythm. An echocardiogram is performed to monitor your heart and valves for issues such as infection or heart disease. Your internal ... [Read More]
Why Would a Physician Recommend That I Receive Cardiac Testing?
There are a number of reasons why a doctor would recommend cardiac testing. Among these are that you are showing symptoms of heart disease, you have strong risk factors for it, or you’ve had a recent heart attack. You may hear a lot of cardiac testing names when you visit your doctor. If you’re wondering what these are and why they’re required, let’s take a closer look at their descriptions and uses. Electrocardiogram (ECG) An ECG is a diagnostic test that measures your heart’s rhythm and ... [Read More]
Cardiac Testing for Surgical Clearance
Patients that are recommended surgery need to undergo cardiac testing for surgical clearance. You may be wondering why this is necessary. Surgery is a major undertaking, especially if anesthesia is used during the procedure. The results of cardiac testing can affect the choice of anesthesia and help doctors plan for surgery and make better postoperative recommendations. Cardiac events are a common cause of complications during surgery. Therefore, a risk assessment is an important step in ... [Read More]
