
Why is an echocardiogram performed?
Why is an echocardiogram performed? (#Best Cardiologist in Bhopal)
- Assess the overall function of your heart
- Determine the presence of many types of heart disease, such as valve disease, myocardial disease, pericardial disease, infective endocarditis, cardiac masses, and congenital heart disease
- Follow the progress of valve disease over time
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your medical or surgical treatments
An echocardiogram (echo) is a graphic outline of the heart’s movement. During an echo test, ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) from a hand-held wand placed on your chest provides pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers and helps the sonographer evaluate the pumping action of the heart. Echo is frequently combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart’s valves.
What happens during the test?
- Before the test, the healthcare source will explain the process in detail, including possible complications and side effects. You will have the opportunity to ask questions.
- Your test will take place in the Echo Lab located at J1-5. The testing area is supervised by a physician.
- You will be given a hospital gown to wear. You’ll be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up.
- A cardiac sonographer will place three electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on your chest. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph (EKG) monitor that charts your heart’s electrical activity during the test.
- The sonographer will ask you to lie on your left side on an exam table. The sonographer will place a wand (called a sound-wave transducer) on several areas of your chest. The wand will have a small amount of gel on the end, which will not harm your skin. This gel helps generate clearer pictures.
- Sounds are part of the Doppler signal. You may or may not hear the sounds during the test.
- You may be asked to change the situation several times during the exam so the sonographer can take pictures of different areas of the heart. You may also be asked to hold your breath at times.
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