Echocardiography

At The Heartbeat Clinic, we provide the latest echocardiography services to help diagnose heart conditions. Our professional and competent cardiologists, along with our well-equipped facilities, offer you thorough assessments of the structure and function of your heart, assisting you in maintaining good cardiovascular health.

What is Echocardiography?

Echocardiography, also known as an echo or cardiac ultrasound, is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to capture detailed images of the heart. This test helps in understanding the shape, functionality, and blood circulation within the heart. Echocardiography is widely employed for diagnosing heart diseases, assessing responses to treatments, and aiding in medical decision-making.

Purpose of Echocardiography

  • Echocardiography is performed to:

    • Diagnose Heart Conditions: Identify conditions affecting the heart, including valvular diseases, congenital heart defects, ventricular dysfunction, and pericardial diseases.

    • Evaluate Symptoms: Investigate signs and symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, palpitations, and persistent fatigue, which could indicate cardiac issues.

    • Assess Heart Function:

      • Determine how well the heart is pumping blood.
      • Measure the ejection fraction.
      • Evaluate the functioning of the heart valves.
    • Monitor Treatment Progress:

      • Observe changes in heart function over time.
      • Evaluate the results of medical or surgical interventions.
      • Determine further therapeutic strategies.

Types of Echocardiography

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)

The most common type, where an ultrasound transducer is placed on your chest to capture images of the heart.

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

Involves the insertion of a specialized probe into the esophagus to obtain more detailed images of the heart, particularly its posterior structures.

Stress Echocardiography

Combines an echocardiogram with a stress test (exercise or medication-induced) to evaluate how the heart functions under stress.

Doppler Echocardiography

Uses Doppler signals to assess the speed and direction of blood flow through the heart, helping detect valvular diseases and cardiac muscle dysfunction.

What to Expect During the Echocardiography Procedure

Preparation

No specific pre-procedure preparation is necessary for routine transthoracic echocardiography. However, for a transesophageal echocardiogram, you might be required to avoid eating or drinking anything before the test.

 

Procedure

For TTE:

  • You will be required to lie on a specially designed examination table while a technician glides an ultrasound probe across your chest area.

For TEE:

  • The probe is passed through your mouth and gently guided down into the esophagus to record images of the heart.

The procedure may require 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the analysis.

Monitoring

While the test is generally non-invasive, you may experience some pressure from the ultrasound probe during the test. During a stress echo, you may exercise or be given medication to make your heart beat faster; images are captured before and after the stress.

After the test

Most people can return to normal activities after the procedure. Your doctor will review the images, explain the echocardiogram results to you, and suggest further action based on the report.

Risks

Echocardiography is a safe test with minimal risks. Some people may experience mild discomfort from the ultrasound probe or, in the case of TEE, from the endoscope. However, these symptoms are usually temporary and resolve quickly.

Results

The results of an echocardiogram provide comprehensive information about your heart’s structure and function, helping to:

Identify Structural Abnormalities

Diagnose conditions such as heart valve disease, congenital anomalies, and dysfunction of the heart chambers.

Evaluate Heart Function

Determine the heart’s pumping ability, the presence of a pericardial effusion, and the size and wall thickness of the heart.

Guide Treatment

Advise on medical treatment, diet, and exercise, or whether surgery is necessary.

Why Choose Us?

See what our patients say about the care they received at our clinic. Each story shows our dedication to top-notch heart care and patient happiness.

Schedule Your Echocardiography Today

If you have symptoms of heart disease or need a routine check-up, echocardiography at Heartbeat Clinic can provide crucial insights into your heart health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take a proactive step toward maintaining your cardiovascular well-being.