During a routine checkup, your doctor may tell you what is an echocardiogram test and why you need to have it.
You might have also heard of it from your friends, who went in for bloodwork or a stress test and had a strange-looking picture of their hearts.
Keep reading to learn more about this heart testing procedure and what it involves. You will get a better picture of this heart-scanning machine after you learn what it can do.
What Is an Echocardiogram Test?
An echocardiogram (also referred to as a cardiac ultrasound) is a non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a real-time picture of the heart. It provides detailed information about the structure and condition of the heart.
This test helps to detect various heart issues and disorders, such as the narrowing of a heart valve, an abnormal heart rhythm, and malfunctioning of the heart muscle.
It can also diagnose congenital heart defects in newborns or detect any potential signs of heart disease or a heart attack. Echocardiograms are a safe and painless procedure that is often combined with other tests to assess the heart's condition.
How Is the Test Performed?
The echocardiogram test is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves, or ultrasound, to produce images of the heart.
During the test, a technician will apply a thick gel to the patient's chest and abdomen, and then use a hand-held device called a transducer to direct the sound waves.
The waves are reflected off the different parts of the heart, allowing the technician to take pictures of the heart's size, shape, and motion.
The patient may need to turn or move to obtain the best images. After the test is complete, the patient will be asked to change into a gown to clean the gel off their body.
The test typically takes about 30-45 minutes and will often provide your doctor with valuable information about your heart's health.
What Do the Results Reveal?
The results of the echocardiogram will indicate the size and position of the heart chambers, the valve function, how well the heart muscle is contracting, and the presence of any blockages in the blood vessels near the heart.
It can also help identify any abnormal growth inside the chest, such as tumors or blood clots. The pictures and information gathered from the echocardiogram are interpreted by a doctor to determine the health of the heart.
What Are the Potential Risks of an Echocardiogram Test?
Echocardiogram tests are an important diagnostic imaging procedure utilized in a diagnostic imaging department. However, they can also come with certain risks.
The potential risks are minimal. The most common risks involve the injections used during the procedure. Some patients may experience minor discomfort from the injections.
Other potential risks include bleeding, bruising, and infection at the injection site. Overall, the potential risks associated with an echocardiogram test are minor and the benefits typically outweigh any of these concerns.
All About Knowing an Echocardiogram Test Today
So, what is an echocardiogram test? Well, it is important for the health of the heart. Anyone who wants to make sure their heart is functioning properly should consider having an echocardiogram done.
If you do experience any symptoms related to heart health, it is best to speak with your doctor to see if an echocardiogram test is right for you. So what are you waiting for? Take action today!
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