What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram (echo) is a non-invasive test used to assess the structure and function of the heart. It does so by using high frequency sound waves that produce images of the heart’s anatomy and motion. The procedure is generally safe and most people find it painless.
Echo can be used to diagnose a variety of heart conditions, such as congestive heart failure, heart valve problems, and irregular heart rhythms. It can also assess the blood flow through the heart and detect any congenital (inborn) heart defects.
How Is an Echocardiogram Performed?
An echocardiogram can be performed in a doctor’s office, hospital, or cardiology-specific lab.
The patient may be asked to remove clothing from the chest area and put on a medical gown. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may be performed beforehand to check electrical activity in the heart.
A technician will then cover the patient’s chest area with a gel to ensure the quality of sound waves used. The technician may then place a transducer device on the chest. This device transmits sound waves through the body and measures echoes produced.
The technician will look at the echoes on a computer monitor and adjust the transducer for a better image if needed. The patient may be asked to turn and position themselves to ensure better results.
What Can an Echocardiogram Reveal?
An echocardiogram allows doctors to assess the overall health of the heart. It can measure the size, thickness, and wall motion of all four chambers of the heart. It can also detect any diseased heart tissue, fluid buildup in the pericardial sac, or detected heart murmurs.
Echo can reveal any signs of a structural defect, an enlarged heart, cardiovascular disease, and any problems with the heart valves. It can also detect any blockages, which would indicate a heart attack or stroke is imminent.
Echocardiograms can also detect any aneurysms or mitral valve prolapse. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke would cause decreased blood flow and can be detected with this test.
Conclusion
An echocardiogram is a powerful and effective tool that can be used to detect a variety of heart conditions. It is typically painless and provides doctors with a detailed picture of the heart’s structure and function. Through the use of sound waves and echoes, doctors are able to properly diagnose and treat various conditions that can potentially be life-threatening.