If you’re having symptoms that could be related to a heart issue, your doctor might recommend an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram may also be ordered as a pre-procedural/pre-operation exam. Here are four facts to know about this cardiac imaging test.
1. It is an ultrasound for your heart. An echocardiogram, sometimes called a cardiac ultrasound or simply an echo test, uses gel as a sound barrier to make moving pictures of your heart. It works sort of like sonar echoes that create soundwaves with frequency that reflect off the structures inside your body and are recorded to make pictures that show your heart’s structure and how it’s working.
2. An echocardiogram test can provide an inside look at your heart. Cardiologists use echocardiograms to detect and monitor a wide range of heart issues, which could be related to structural abnormalities, high blood pressure, birth defects, heart murmurs, heart failure, leaky heart valves or other heart conditions.
For example, an echocardiogram can provide information about:
· The size and shape of your heart.
· How your heart moves and pumps blood.
· Your heart’s pumping strength.
· If your heart valves are working correctly.
· If you have a blood clot or holes in your heart.
· How well treatments are working.
· Pulmonary Hypertension.
3. Having an echo test is easy and painless.
You won’t feel the sound waves that pass through your body or experience any side effects from them. And the test doesn’t expose you to radiation (no X-rays are used).
Here’s what to expect if you have a transthoracic echocardiogram, the most common type of echo test:
· You’ll lie on a table, either on your side or on your back. A specially trained sonographer will put gel on a probe, called a transducer, and move it across your chest. This probe emits and receives the soundwaves. You may need to hold your breath briefly during parts of the test to ensure clearer images.
· You may be able to see your heart’s movements in the pictures on a nearby monitor!
· The entire test typically takes about 45-60 minutes. Afterward, your doctor will discuss what the pictures of your heart show and what it means for your health.
There are different types of echocardiograms. And sometimes an echo test is combined with a cardiac stress (treadmill) test. Your healthcare team can tell you more about those tests, if you are having one of them.
4. You can get an echocardiogram test at Carson Valley Health (CVH).
Experts at the Medical Imaging Department at CVH perform echocardiograms as well as several other imaging tests and procedures. You’ll need a referral from your doctor to get an echocardiogram.
If you would like to know more about CVH’s imaging services or schedule your imaging test, please call 775.782.1533.
