Echocardiogram Specialist

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, sometimes shortened to echo, is a common test that Premier Cardiovascular Consultants uses to visually examine your heart as it beats and pumps blood. Echocardiograms use ultrasound, or high-frequency soundwaves, to create images of your heart’s chambers and valves. 

An echocardiogram uses a small wand called a transducer to send soundwaves into your body. Soundwaves from the transducer bounce off your heart and echo back. A computer processes the soundwaves and produces images of your heart on a monitor.

What are the different types of echocardiogram tests?

The three main types of echocardiogram tests include:

Transthoracic echocardiogram

During a transthoracic echocardiogram, your provider places a handheld transducer on your chest and gently moves it around. They apply a gel to the transducer to help the soundwaves pass through your skin.

Transesophageal echocardiogram

If a transthoracic echocardiogram doesn’t show a clear picture of your heart, your provider may take a transesophageal echocardiogram. This test requires numbing your throat and guiding a thin tube with a transducer through your esophagus. This places the transducer right behind your heart. 

Stress echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram is like a transthoracic test, but it happens after you exercise or take medication to make your heart beat faster. 

Why would I need an echocardiogram?

Premier Cardiovascular Consultants uses echo for many reasons, including:

• To evaluate the overall function of your heart, especially after a heart attack
• To check for signs of heart disease, such as blood clots in the heart
• To measure the effectiveness of a medical or surgical treatment, such as angioplasty
• To monitor the progress of a valve disease
  
  

Depending on your needs, they may combine an echocardiogram with a Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow throughout your heart. 

What should I expect from an echocardiogram?

Echocardiograms are very safe because, unlike X-rays, they don’t use radiation. The steps you should take to prepare for an echocardiogram depend on the type of test you need. 

Transthoracic echocardiograms don’t require special preparation. If you’re getting a transesophageal test, your provider may tell you to avoid eating for a few hours beforehand.

After an echocardiogram, your provider at Premier Cardiovascular Consultants discusses your results with you. If the test reveals a heart condition, they may perform additional tests or use the echocardiogram to create an individualized treatment plan.

To schedule an echocardiogram, call Premier Cardiovascular Consultants or request an appointment online today.