Verified By Apollo Cardiologist June 4, 2021
6232An Echocardiogram examines how blood is pumped through the heart’s chambers and valves. Electrodes are used to assess the heart rhythm, and ultrasound equipment is used to see how blood travels through the heart. The doctor can use an echocardiogram to diagnose heart problems.
Depending on the symptoms and the type of diagnosis that needs to be made, echocardiogram is classified into the following types:
It is a simple test in which the sonographer spreads gel on a device called a transducer, aiming an ultrasound beam through the chest to your heart. The transducer records sound wave echoes from your heart. A computer converts these echoes into moving images on a screen (monitor).
It helps in measuring the speed and direction of the blood flow in your heart.
A stress echocardiogram is recommended to check for coronary artery problems. However, an echocardiogram cannot provide data about any blockages in the arteries of your heart. In a stress echocardiogram, Ultrasound images of the heart are taken before and immediately after you ride a stationary bike or walk on a treadmill
There are no special preparations required for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. The patient can eat, drink, and take medications normally. But if the patient has transesophageal echocardiogram, the doctor will recommend the patient to have food several hours before the procedure.
Patients having transesophageal echocardiogram cannot drive back home after the procedure. This is because of the medications administered during the procedure. Therefore, it is required to arrange someone to take them back home.
The patient can eat and drink normally as any other day before the procedure. All medications can also be continued as prescribed by the doctor. The patient can change to hospital gown before the test and are not advised to bring any valuables. The doctor will explain the procedure in detail beforehand.
The test takes place at an Echo Lab. The area to be tested will be supervised by a physician. The cardiac sonographer places three electrodes on the chest. These electrodes are attached to electrocardiograph (EKG) monitor to record the heart’s electrical activity. The patient will be asked to lie on the left side and a wand is placed on the chest. A gel is placed on the end of the wand to produce clear pictures. The sonographer changes the position of the patient several times during the exam and sometimes asks to hold the breath to get accurate reports.
Patients can resume normal activities after echocardiogram. If the test result is positive no further tests are required. If the results are serious, it is important to get advice from a doctor for more tests.
A standard transthoracic echocardiogram does not involve any risk. You may experience some discomfort from the transducer which would be held very firmly against your chest. But the firmness is needed to produce the best images of your heart.
If you undergo a transesophageal echocardiogram, you may experience soreness in your throat for few hours afterwards. the tube may, although very rarely, scrape the inside of your throat.
While conducting a stress echocardiogram, exercise or medication (not the echocardiogram itself) may temporarily cause an irregular heartbeat. Serious complications like a heart attack, are extremely rare.
Most of the time, the test delivers the following information:
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The heart plays a major role in regulating the function of the entire human body. However, people sometimes neglect heart-related ailments by not paying proper attention to the problems. The best solution for this is to consult and seek a doctor’s advice immediately. Different echocardiogram tests available will help doctors to assess your heart’s condition.
Echocardiography is the most useful test conducted in patients with underlying heart diseases or patients showing symptoms of failure. Echocardiogram is helpful in diagnosis and identification of underlying heart failure in patients.
Echocardiogram | ECG |
Echocardiogram determines the mechanical system of the heart. | ECG shows the electrical system of the heart. |
It is used to produce a picture of the heart | It produces a wave-like diagram |
A cool gel is applied on the patient’s chest and a transducer that releases sound waves are placed on the patient’s chest. These sounds echo back and produce a picture of the heart. | Electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest and the results are shown on a machine connected via wires attached to electrodes. |
Echocardiogram is a test that doesn’t involve any notable side effects.
The content is reviewed and verified by our experienced and highly specialized team of heart specialists who diagnose and treat more than 400 simple-to-complex heart conditions. These specialists dedicate a portion of their clinical time to deliver trustworthy and medically accurate content
July 7, 2023