how is an echocardiogram done?

Answer 1

Echocardiogram

Test Overview

An echocardiogram (echo or echocardiogram) is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves to produce an image of the heart. The sound waves are sent through a device called a transducer and are reflected off the various structures of the heart. These echoes are converted into pictures of the heart that can be seen on a video monitor.

An echocardiogram generally is used to evaluate heart wall thickness and motion, as well as the structure and function of the heart valves. An echocardiogram can also be used to estimate the amount of blood pumped out of your left ventricle with each heartbeat (ejection fraction).

An echocardiogram can help identify areas of poor blood flow in the heart, areas of heart muscle that are not contracting normally, previous injury to the heart muscle caused by impaired blood flow, or evidence of heart failure, especially in people with chest pain or a possible heart attack. In addition, an echocardiogram can detect a blood clot in the heart, evaluate the heart valves for abnormalities, and identify pericardial effusion. A fetal echocardiogram can be used to detect congenital heart defects before birth.

The different types of echocardiograms are:

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This is the standard, most commonly used method of echocardiogram. Views of the heart are obtained by moving the transducer to different locations on the chest or abdominal wall.
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE). For TEE, the transducer is passed down the esophagus instead of being moved over the outside of the chest wall. TEE shows clearer pictures of your heart, because the transducer is located closer to the heart and because the lungs and bones of the chest wall do not interfere with the sound waves produced by the transducer. This test requires a sedative and an anesthetic applied to the throat to ease discomfort.
Stress echocardiogram. This test involves a transthoracic echocardiogram both before and after your heart is stressed either by having you exercise or by injecting a medication (dobutamine) that makes your heart beat harder and faster. A stress echocardiogram is usually done to determine whether you may have a significantly reduced flow of blood to your heart (coronary artery disease).
Echo can be used as part of a stress test and in combination with electrocardiogram (EKG) monitoring to help your health professional gain additional information about your heart.

Answer 2

a significant element of people alive immediately have a minimum of a few minor coronary heart abnormality consisting of murmur. each time a rfile first detects an abnormality, that's often a reliable thought to persist with up with an ECG. in the adventure that your baby does not have any obtrusive indicators of a coronary heart problem like lethargy, shortness of breath, dizziness, and so on., then regardless of the rfile has stumbled on won't be a severe problem, even with the undeniable fact that it would desire to nevertheless be something that must be monitored or taken care of. An electrocardiogram is completed with the aid of fact there is largely plenty you may tell from a stethoscope. The stethoscope can hit upon an abnormality, even with the undeniable fact that it is not very functional for understanding precisely what's inflicting the project, or how severe the project might desire to be. Beside the hassle-free coronary heart murmurs, there are various developmental problems which could impact a baby's coronary heart. If a baby has a sort of circumstances, scientific docs can shop it from transforming into a wellbeing threat by correcting the abnormality. do no longer problem - you will possibly desire to be happy you have a conscientious rfile that's asking out on your baby.

Answer 3

An echocardiogram is a cardiac sonogram. Sound waves are produced and these 'bounce' off various structures in the heart. 2 dimensional moving pictures of the heart's action are then recorded. Color mapping allows for a better sense of the relative turbulence of blood flow through the heart. Cardiac function is measured. Abnormalities of the valves are visualized. Doppler is applied and this uses reflected sound was to better assess the movement of blood through the heart. Painless test.

Answer 4

echocardiogram is an noninvasive test done while lying on your back on a exam table. the tech puts some gel on your chest, on the left side, and uses a wand, which looks a little like a small microphone held upside down. as the tech moves the wand around your heart area of your chest it transmits an image onto a video tape which is then used for diagnosing any problems that may have occurred. this is the best source of diagnostics for any heart malfunction. it is very accurate and dependable, but most of all, it doesn't hurt or uncomfortable in any way. i have had several, and i welcome that test before all others for heart problems. hope this has allayed any fear you may have. good luck.

Answer 5

TTE

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound and Doppler principles to create images of the heart. This is a common procedure that shows if the heart is beating and pumping blood normally. The images created are used to identify abnormalities in the heart muscle, chambers, and valves. It also provides information on whether your heart is enlarged (dilated cardiomyopathy) or stiff (diastolic dysfunction/diastolic heart failure/heart failure with normal left ventricular ejection fraction or HFnEF). Echocardiograms are usually one of the first tests ordered by cardiologists to find out more about your potential cardiac condition.

Transthoracic Echocardiograms (TTE), when read correctly prove very useful for almost any condition your heart.

During the procedure

A transthoracic echocardiogram, also known as TTE, is a noninvasive form of an echocardiogram. It is the echocardiogram used most commonly. A trained sonographer applies gel on your chest and uses an ultrasound probe to obtain images of the heart. The pressure of the probe against your chest wall may cause a small bit of discomfort. If the images are not optimal, intravenous contrast may be injected to create better images for the doctor to read.

Echocardiograms are performed anywhere the machine can be mobilized to. It is usually performed in a doctor’s office or the hospital. It is usually performed after partially removing clothing to make way for the ultrasound probe. The patient will lay down and asked to perform different maneuvers. Electrodes (stick patches) will be applied to your skin to detect electrical impulses from your heart.

Usually, the length of an echocardiogram is less than an hour, but depends on the complexity of your particular situation. You may be asked to perform different maneuvers such as taking deep breaths.

After the procedure

Your images will most likely be reviewed by a heart specialist. Some general practioners or anesthesiologists also read echocardiograms. Any follow up or additional testing depends on the results of the echocardiogram. There is no recovery period for a transthoracic (TTE) echocardiogram.

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TEE:

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound and Doppler principles to create images of the heart. A Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a less common form of echocardiogram. It is an invasive form of ultrasound in which a probe is passed down the esophagus. It uses the same principals as a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) but usually has cleaner and higher definition of the heart and its structures. There are specific conditions which may require a transesophageal echocardiogram. It is not a routine procedure, and is usually used after a transthoracic echocardiogram fails to reveal the specific condition or to gain further knowledge on existing condition. It is very rarely the first form of echocardiogram to undergo (exception is under certain conditions).

Transesophageal echocardiograms are excellent in showing certain structures of the heart more clearly than a transthoracic echocardiogram.



Preparation

Prior to a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), you will likely be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 4-8 hours prior to the scheduled procedure. After a transesophageal echocardiogram, you will be asked not to drive the day of the procedure primarily because of the sedation you receive during your TEE. You should have someone available to drive you home if you are going home the same day as your transesophageal echocardiogram.



Expectation

During the procedure

Transesophageal echocardiograms (TEE) are performed in either a hospital room or as an outpatient basis in rooms equipped for procedures. There will be at least three people present in the room. A nurse that provides medication, the doctor performing the procedure, and the sonographer helping the doctor obtain images of your heart. A timeout will be called in which they verify information regarding you as a patient prior to starting the procedure.

Your throat is numbed prior to insertion of probe used for the test. This may consist of either a spray to the back of your throat or a thick liquid that you gargle and swallow. Most likely a bite block will be placed in your mouth to protect your teeth from the probe. Moderate sedation is used to help attain relaxation prior to the procedure. A flexible long probe is inserted down the esophagus after sedation. Ultrasound images of your heart and valves will be obtained by your doctor. The TEE itself lasts anywhere between 10 minutes and 30 minutes depending on difficulty and extent of imaging your doctor obtained. The entire procedure will take approximately 1 hour from the time you enter the room to the time the images are acquired.

After the procedure

There is a recovery time for a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) since you have most likely been sedated. The recovery time takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on how much sedation you received. Your vital signs (blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and pulse oximetry) will be monitored for at least 1 hour after the procedure. You may ask your doctor the results immediately since the doctor who performs the procedure is the one to formally report the findings.

For a complete guide to heart procedures, visit http://www.myheartprocedure.com

Answer 6

in coord with the ecg, a sound transducer makes real time images of the heart movements, the valves etc. Painless.

Answer 7

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