According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people living with diabetes are twice more likely to have a heart attack compared to those who have no blood sugar problems. This is because over time, when blood sugar levels are left uncontrolled, these can cause damage to the blood vessels in the heart. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with diabetes or living with it for years, you need to work closely with your internal medicine physician, who will help you ... [Read More]
Echocardiogram Tests Irmo SC
How Are Echocardiograms Performed
An echocardiogram (echo test) is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that uses electrodes to monitor your heart rhythm and high-frequency sound waves to capture three-dimensional images of the heart. Echocardiograms are used for detecting heart problems, such as damaged cardiac tissue, problems with the heart valves, weakened heart muscles, heart enlargement, among several others. If you have strong risk factors for heart disease or are already showing symptoms thereof, such as chest pains and ... [Read More]
Types of Echocardiograms
An echocardiogram, also referred to as echo or echocardiography, is a type of routine examination for evaluating how well your heart’s chambers and valves are pumping blood. This test is recommended for people who are showing symptoms of heart problems, such as chest pains, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. There are different types of echocardiograms, each of which uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the heart and its structures and reveal abnormalities and ... [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]
Echocardiograms for Heart Valve Disease
A patient with heart valve disease has a malfunctioning heart valve and is likely experiencing symptoms associated with the condition, such as chest pain, a strong heart murmur, shortness of breath, feeling tired or fatigued, and fainting spells. A heart valve issue needs to be evaluated by a doctor. There are complications associated with heart valve disease that include heart failure, blood clots, and stroke. If you visit the doctor complaining of chest pain and difficulty breathing and they ... [Read More]
