If you are experiencing symptoms that could be heart-related, we recommend using an echocardiogram, or EKG, to examine the function of this vital organ.
While undergoing a diagnostic test might make you nervous, Dr. James Kim and our team assure you that an echocardiogram is a painless and effective method for viewing the internal structures and function of your heart.
Here’s what you can expect during your echocardiogram.
Introduction to Echocardiography
Before delving into the details of what happens during your echocardiogram, let’s briefly review why this technology is crucial for evaluating heart health.
Echocardiography uses sound waves to create a moving image of your heart in action. These sound waves are delivered through a specialized device and pass harmlessly through your tissue. They bounce off your heart and nearby blood vessels to generate an image.
With an EKG, we can assess the function of the four chambers of your heart and their valvular performance. It can also detect blood clots in the heart, fluid buildup, and issues with the aorta, the main artery leading from your heart.
An EKG provides us with valuable information as a diagnostic tool to determine the next steps for preserving your heart health. If no issues are found, it offers you the peace of mind of knowing your heart is in good condition!
Undergoing an Echocardiogram
Though echocardiography is non-invasive, we may inject a saline solution or dye into a vein to enhance the visualization of your heart and major blood vessels.
Upon arrival, you will typically be asked to remove your shirt, though we can provide a gown if needed. You’ll then be positioned on our examination table, either on your back or left side. Once you’re comfortable, electrodes are placed on your chest, and a gel is applied to facilitate the transmission of sound waves.
Using a handheld device called a transducer, we move it across your chest to capture images of your heart from various angles. The images are displayed in real-time on a monitor, allowing us to make any necessary adjustments for a closer examination if needed.
After the procedure, we remove the electrodes and provide a towel to clean off the gel. Once dressed, you can resume your day as usual while we analyze the results.
Echocardiogram (EKG) and Stress Test
To examine the function of your heart and major blood vessels under stress, we might recommend a stress test. This test is similar to an echocardiogram (EKG), but involves walking or running on a treadmill. The procedure is completely harmless, though you may feel a bit tired afterward.
If you have additional questions about undergoing an EKG, please contact one of our offices in National City or Chula Vista, California.
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Echocardiogram, Stress Test
