An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of your heart. This common test allows your doctor to see your heart beating and pumping blood. Your doctor can use the images from an echocardiogram to identify heart disease.
Why would your doctor order an echocardiogram?
Your doctor may suggest an echocardiogram to:
• Check for problems with the valves or the chambers of your heart
• Check if heart problems are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain
• Detect congenital heart defects before birth (fetal echocardiogram)
Echocardiogram
In this standard type of echocardiogram:
• A cardiovascular technologist (sonographer) spreads gel on a device (transducer)
• The sonographer presses the transducer against your skin, aiming an ultrasound beam through your chest to your heart
• The transducer records the sound wave echoes from your heart
• A computer converts the echoes into moving images on a monitor
If your lungs or ribs block the view, you may need a small amount of a contrast injected through an intravenous (IV) line. The contrast, which is generally safe and well tolerated, will enhance the image quality and increase the specificity and accuracy of the echocardiogram.
Once you have an order from your provider, schedule your services today by visiting wickhosp.com and select “Request an Appointment” in the upper left corner of the screen, or call 928-668-1803.
