Why get echocardiogram

Murmurs are often not dangerous, but can be an indication of a more serious heart condition. Valve disease can produce situations where blood flow becomes obstructed in different areas of the heart. Serious cases of the disease may damage the heart muscle. Many physicians recommend regular echocardiograms in this situation, to keep abreast of any muscle impairment. Chemotherapy can injure the heart muscle. Doctors will typically perform an echocardiogram at the beginning of treatment and carefully monitor any alteration of their baseline results.

Blood clots in the heart are the main cause of strokes. Echocardiograms help your physician detect blood clots in the heart before they trigger a stroke. There are four basic types of echocardiograms. Which type your physician orders will be based on what problems your physician suspects.

The echocardiogram test will be one of the following:. Transthoracic is the standard echocardiography test. The procedure is painless and noninvasive. For the exam, a technician applies a special gel on the chest area, and then places an electrical device, called a transducer, on your chest. The transducer directs ultrasound waves toward the heart, and as the waves echo back to the transducer, a computer generates still or moving live images of the heart and interprets them. When the standard transthoracic echocardiogram fails to produce a sharp image of the heart or the physician needs to see a more detailed heart image, a transesophageal echocardiogram may be advised.

During this procedure, the transducer, contained in a flexible tube, is directed down the throat and into the esophagus. This position allows the transducer to achieve highly clarified heart images. For this procedure, anesthetics are used to numb the throat, and sedatives are provided to help you relax.

This echocardiography test reveals how efficiently the heart muscle is at pumping blood through your body. A resting echocardiogram is performed first. Patients are then directed to walk on a treadmill or ride an exercise bicycle, slowly, then faster, and then on an incline. The exercise portion of the stress test generally takes between five and fifteen minutes.

In some cases, doctors might need to inject a contrast agent into your bloodstream in order to see the borders of the heart better. So, someone who is diagnosed with a chronic heart condition will have multiple echos over their lifetime to help doctors monitor the progression of the disease and determine the best course of treatment. An additional echocardiogram also might be ordered if you switch health systems or are referred to a new doctor.

If your new doctor feels like the sonographers on his or her team can take more detailed, high-quality images, he or she may order a new test. If they need a closer look at how your valves are functioning, doctors may order a transesophageal echocardiogram.

Patients are sedated during this procedure, which uses a special ultrasound wand that is inserted down the throat and into the esophagus, right behind the heart. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Some people may experience changes in blood pressure or a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the heart during a stress test.

A stress test will take place in a fully equipped medical facility in case a person experiences any complications during the exam. Whenever a person receives sedatives, there is a chance that the stomach contents may enter the lungs.

To prevent this, the doctor will ask the individual to attend the procedure with an empty stomach. Doctors use echocardiography to diagnose problems that affect the heart. Doctors can also use echocardiography to look for signs of heart disease, such as weak heart muscle, blood clots inside the heart, or poorly functioning heart valves.

In general, the test carries a low risk of significant complications or side effects. However, people may feel some discomfort, and some individuals can have an allergic reaction to the contrast material or anesthetic. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain and shortness of breath. People should call the emergency services if they suspect a heart attack. A pacemaker keeps the heart beating regularly, and inserting one into the chest requires surgery.

This is a relatively safe procedure. Learn more…. If someone has a blockage in the heart, they may need bypass surgery to lower the risk of a heart attack. It is the most common heart surgery…. Both heartburn and heart attacks can cause pain in the center of the chest. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease…. What is an echocardiogram? Medically reviewed by Dr. Payal Kohli, M. Share on Pinterest An echocardiogram helps a doctor diagnose heart problems.

What are they used for? Types of echocardiogram. Share on Pinterest All types of echocardiogram use high frequency sound waves. Echocardiogram procedure. Interpreting the results. Echocardiogram vs. Are there any side effects? Share on Pinterest A person may experience headaches from contrast dyes. Latest news Adolescent depression: Could school screening help?

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