Echocardiography is a technique that produces real-time images of the heart using sound waves. Echocardiography is the name for the image. This test helps the doctor to check on the health of the heart and valves. So if you are planning to get an Echocardiogram, then this Port Saint Lucie Echocardiogram will answer all your queries.
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What Is an Echocardiogram?
As the name implies, an echocardiogram is a visual representation of the action of the heart. Ultrasound from a palm device is put on the chest to deliver photos of the heart’s chambers and valves, allowing the sonographer to assess the heart’s pumping function. To assess blood flow throughout the heart’s valves, echo is frequently paired with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler.
Why the Need for an Echocardiogram?
The echocardiogram is generally conducted to assess the overall health of the heart. Further, it will also help to identify various heart-related issues such as infective endocarditis, valve disease, congenital heart disease, and much more. Not just this, the process also follows the progress of valve-related issues.
Types of Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram has different types:
- The most common type is transthoracic echocardiography. In this procedure, a transducer will be put on your chest right above the heart’s location. The purpose is to send ultrasound waves to the heart, then the sound waves will reflect back to the device and the machine will analyze them. In this procedure, real-time visuals are generated.
- Then next is stress echocardiography which uses conventional transthoracic echocardiography. The technique is performed before and after you’ve exercised or taken medicine to speed up your heart rate. This enables your doctor to assess how well your heart responds to stress.
- Next, we have fetal echocardiography which is used on pregnant ladies between 18 to 22 weeks of pregnancy.
Risk Associated With Echocardiogram
Echocardiograms are thought to be extremely safe. In comparison to other imaging procedures such as X-rays, they do not employ radiation. If transthoracic echocardiography is performed without contrast injection, there is no danger. However, you might notice some discomfort when electrodes are removed. The treatment is safe, however, if you are allergic to something then it is important to discuss it with a health practitioner right away.
There are various specialists that can conduct echocardiograms in Port Saint Lucie. Based on the visuals, the doctor can assess the problem and come up with an action plan that can help you.