Just as orthopedists rely on X-rays for initial diagnosis, cardiologists use the echocardiogram (or echo, for short). This versatile tool is essential for identifying various cardiovascular conditions and assessing heart function.
Dr. James Kim, a certified cardiovascular disease specialist, understands the significance of an echocardiogram and frequently utilizes it to evaluate his patients’ cardiovascular health.
In the following sections, we will dive into the purpose of an echo and the wide range of conditions that can be identified through this crucial diagnostic test.
Understanding an Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram, or echo test, is an ultrasound of your heart. By using harmless and noninvasive sound waves, Dr. Kim can create images of your heart to check for any abnormalities in its chambers, valves, or major blood vessels.
Modern echo tests are highly advanced, providing detailed, 3D views of your heart’s structure and function.
What to Expect During an Echo Test
As mentioned, an echo test is completely noninvasive. When you come in for this diagnostic test, you’ll change into a hospital gown and lie down on a table.
We begin by applying a gel to the area where we want to capture images. Then, we use a transducer to send sound waves into your body. These waves bounce off the structures in and around your heart, and the information is relayed to a special computer that creates 3D images.
The entire echocardiogram takes about an hour, after which you can leave and continue with your day.
What Does An Echocardiogram Tell Us?
An echocardiogram provides us with valuable information about your heart, such as:
- The size of your heart
- The strength of your heartbeats
- The pressure within your heart
- The functionality of your valves
- Whether your valves are narrowed
- Any issues in the blood vessels connected to your heart
For example, an echo test can reveal if blood is leaking backward through your valves, indicating a condition called regurgitation. It can also detect problems in your pericardium, the outer lining of your heart.
Alternatively, the echocardiogram might show that your heart is perfectly healthy, giving you peace of mind.
Once we have the results, we can determine our next steps, which may include further tests, such as a stress test. An echocardiogram is not only noninvasive and easy but also highly effective in evaluating your cardiovascular health.
If you have more questions about the echocardiogram, please contact one of our locations in Chula Vista or National City, California, to learn more.
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Cardiac Care, Echocardiogram
