Echocardiography Services

What is Echocardiography?

Echocardiography is a type of medical imaging that uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure that is used to diagnose and monitor a wide variety of heart conditions.

During an echocardiogram, a transducer is placed on the chest. The transducer emits sound waves, which travel through the body and bounce off the heart. The transducer then detects the returning sound waves and converts them into images, which are displayed on a computer monitor.

Where does it come from?

Echocardiography was first developed in the 1950s, and it has become one of the most important tools for diagnosing and treating heart disease. Echocardiography screening programs have been shown to reduce the number of deaths from heart disease.

How does Echocardiography work?

Echocardiography uses two main types of sound waves: Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound.

• Doppler ultrasound measures the speed and direction of blood flow through the heart.
• Color Doppler ultrasound uses different colors to represent the speed and direction of blood flow.

The different types of echocardiography scans can be used to assess different aspects of the heart’s function. For example, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can be used to assess the size, shape, and function of the heart chambers and valves. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be used to get more detailed images of the heart’s structures.

What are the benefits of Echocardiography?

Echocardiography has many benefits, including:

• It is a safe and non-invasive procedure.
• It can be used to diagnose and monitor a wide variety of heart conditions.
• It can provide detailed images of the heart’s structures and function.
• It is a relatively inexpensive procedure.

What are the uses of Echocardiography?

Echocardiography is used to:

• Diagnose heart conditions, such as heart failure, valve disease, and congenital heart defects.
• Monitor the response to heart disease treatment.
• Assess the risk of heart disease complications.
• Guide invasive heart procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting.

What to expect during an Echocardiography scan?

An echocardiogram is a simple and painless procedure. You will lie on a table while the technician places the transducer on your chest. The technician may move the transducer around to get different views of the heart.

The echocardiogram typically takes about 30 minutes to complete.

After an Echocardiography scan?

After an echocardiogram, you will be able to resume your normal activities. The radiologist will review your scan results and send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results of the scan with you and make any necessary recommendations.

Who should not have an Echocardiography scan?

Echocardiography scans are generally safe for all people. However, there are a few cases where they may not be recommended, such as:

• People with severe skin conditions: Some skin conditions, such as burns and eczema, can make it difficult to place the transducer on the chest.
• People with certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as lung disease and severe obesity, can make it difficult to get clear images of the heart.

Overall, echocardiography is a safe and effective way to diagnose and monitor a wide variety of heart conditions. It is an important tool for helping people live long and healthy lives.