Echocardiography
Echocardiography
Echocardiography
Echo, also known as a cardiac ultrasound, is a painless test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. The pictures show the size and shape of your heart. They also show how well your heart’s chambers and valves are working.
Uses:
Echo can pinpoint areas of heart muscle that aren’t contracting well because of poor blood flow or injury from a previous heart attack.
Echo can detect possible blood clots inside the heart,
Fluid build-up in the pericardium (the sac around the heart), and problems with major blood vessels that carries oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your body.
Doctors also use echoes to detect heart problems in infants and children.
Calculation of the dimensions of the heart, cardiac output as well as ejection fraction.
Advice to patient: please seek a prior appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an echocardiogram, and why is it done?
An echocardiogram (Echo) is a non-invasive ultrasound test that creates real-time images of the heart. It helps doctors assess heart structure, function, and blood flow, and detect heart conditions such as valve diseases, heart failure, and congenital defects.
How should I prepare for an echocardiogram?
For a standard transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), no special preparation is needed. However, if you are undergoing a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), you may need to fast for a few hours before the test as a probe is inserted into your oesophagus. Your doctor will provide specific instructions if needed.
Is an echocardiogram painful?
No, a standard echocardiogram is completely painless. The ultrasound probe is placed on your chest with a gel to capture images. In the case of a transoesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), mild discomfort may be experienced due to the insertion of the probe, but sedation is provided to ease the process.
How long does an echocardiogram take, and when will I get the results?
A typical echocardiogram takes about 20 to 45 minutes. Your doctor will review the images, and results may be available on the same day or within a few days, depending on the complexity of the findings.
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