Echocardiogram: Know the most important information about Echocardiogram
Overview:
If a doctor asked for an echocardiogram, why do you think the doctor is asking for it? And what is the important information it shows?
We will discuss all the things you need to know about echo rays.
What is an echocardiogram?
It’s a test that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to take pictures of a heart. It’s a graphic chart that shows the movement of the heart.
A radiologist uses high-frequency sound waves (high-frequency sound waves) from a hand-held wand placed on the chest to take pictures of your heart’s valves and chambers. It helps assess the pumping action of your heart.
Also called diagnostic ultrasound of the heart.
An echocardiogram does not use any radiation. It makes it different from other tests, such as x-rays and CT scans, which use small amounts of radiation. (1) (2)
Why do you need to do an echocardiogram?
It detects the heart and checks the efficiency of your heart’s functioning. If you have symptoms and the doctor needs to know more (either by diagnosing a problem or excluding possible causes of the issues and diseases), They will ask you for X-rays. They show and help detect:
- The size and shape of the heart
- The size, thickness, and movement of the heart walls.
- How does the heart move
- The pumping power of the heart
- If the heart valves are working properly
- Congenital heart disease that you are born with
- If blood is leaking backward through your heart valves
- The presence of inflammation in the heart chambers or valves
- If the heart valves are too narrow.
- If there is a tumor around the heart valves
X-rays will also help you in the early detection of:
- Problems with the outer lining of your heart
- Problems with the large blood vessels that enter and leave the heart
- Blood clots
- Abnormal holes between the chambers of the heart. (1) (2)
Summary:
They generally help diagnose the specific problem and discover more about it, and help detect various heart diseases.
Are there any side effects of an echocardiogram, and is it painful?
There are no side effects of echocardiogram. Moreover, they are completely painless.
What are the different types of echocardiograms?
There are different types of echocardiograms. Each one provides different uses and advantages in diagnosing and managing heart disease. Includes:
Chest Ultrasound
The most common type is ultrasound. It uses ultrasound to take pictures of the heart.
It helps to check the heart, its four chambers, four heart valves, and nearby blood vessels. (3)
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
It differs from other forms of echocardiogram or ultrasound because it takes pictures of the inside of your body, not the outside.
It uses a long, thin tube called an endoscope down your throat and into your esophagus. (4)
Echo of effort (with walking or bike)
It is a test that shows how well your heart is working. It uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce moving pictures of your heart. These images allow you to see the shape, size, and motion of your heart and valves.
Exercise Electrocardiogram (EKG) measures the function of your heart when it is beating rapidly. It must be done by exercising on a treadmill or bike. (5)
Summary:
There are three different types of echocardiograms. Each type works differently. Furthermore, with a different purpose, the most famous of which is the transthoracic ultrasound.
What time does the echocardiogram take?
An echocardiogram usually takes 40 to 60 minutes, but it may take longer up to 90 minutes.
When will the doctor ask you for an echocardiogram?
The cardiologist will ask you to do an echocardiogram for certain issues, which are:
If you have some symptoms. And a doctor is suspicious of a specific diagnosis and needs to confirm (either by confirming the diagnosis or ruling out possible causes).
The doctor thinks there is some form of heart disease. He uses X-rays to diagnose the specific problem and check more about it.
Your cardiologist wants to check for a condition you’ve already been diagnosed with. For example, some people with heart valve disease need regular echocardiograms.
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