my doc is asking me to do an echocardiogram. the only idea that i can have a problem in my heart at this age is frightening me. (i am in thirties...).
2006-09-26 04:26:46 · 6 answers · asked by ? 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. Just like looking at a baby in the womb, except in this case your heart won't come out of your body, grow up to hate you, and then get addicted to drugs, and finally turn its life around and rediscover its relationship with you. Probably.
2006-09-26 04:34:46 · answer #1 · answered by Brian L 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't necessarily worry about "heart problems." There can be many reasons for performing an Echo. If there is a familial history of heart disease, it may be done as a baseline to assess heart function. I myself had an EKG done for that exact reason. That way, if any changes occur in the future, your doctor has a baseline test to compare new results against. Other reasons for the test being performed are: (1)
# Evaluate a heart murmur
# Diagnose and determine the extent of valve conditions
# Determine the presence of abnormalities in the structure of the heart
# Measure the size and thickness of the heart and its chambers
# Assess motion of the chamber walls and the extent of damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack
# Assess how different parts of the heart are functioning in patients with chronic heart disease
# Determine if fluid is collecting around the heart
# Identify the presence of tumors in the heart
# Assess for and monitor congenital defects
# Evaluate a patient's response to treatment or a corrective procedure
# Evaluate blood flow through the heart
# Assess if the heart or major blood vessels coming and going from the heart have been damaged by a traumatic injury; this is often done to determine a heart's condition before it is donated for transplant
As you can see, there are many different reasons to have an echo done, with varying degrees of severity. All in all, your doctor more than likely has a very valid reason for you to undergo the procedure. Since the procedure is non-invasive and relatively quick (30-60 minutes), it would probably be a good idea to get it done. In the end, it is better to know where things stand in order to correct any potential problems. I hope this answer helps.
2006-09-26 11:43:38 · answer #2 · answered by Doctor J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An echo is a sonogram of your heart. He is probably just looking at the valves and the size of the heart to make sure everything is normal.
2006-09-26 11:33:37 · answer #3 · answered by littleshorty9 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi
an echocardiogram is actually a 2D/3D visualisation of the working function of your heart chambers and the valves , it is usually used to diagnose and evaluate myocardial/valvular cardiac lesions.
it is a non invasive , painless investigation [ you could call it ultrasound of the heart ]
2006-09-26 11:51:02 · answer #4 · answered by drsachin n 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a painless procedure and well worth doing..Age does not matter with heart conditions so need to follow his advice..
2006-09-26 11:35:39 · answer #5 · answered by dwh12345 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a ultrasound of the heart, it will show any defects or heart problems.
2006-09-26 11:35:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋