The heart, as a vital organ in the body, needs testing to be sure it functions properly. Therefore, if you show any symptoms suggesting a heart problem, you should seek a Port Saint Lucie echocardiogram to get tested. An echocardiogram gives a detailed picture of your heart’s movement to rule out the possibility of a health defect. You can undergo one of the different echocardiogram procedures to check your blood vessels, valves, and heart chambers.
What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram tests the movement of your heart by allowing a doctor to see images of your heartbeats and blood pumping. The test can identify underlying heart conditions if you are showing heart disease symptoms. You may need an echocardiogram as you are preparing for a surgical procedure. Your doctor may also suggest an echo if they want to check how you are improving after surgery.
What Can your Doctor Detect from an Echocardiogram?
The test can check for several heart conditions, including valve diseases and pericardial issues affecting the covering of your heart. An echocardiogram can also show an infection in the valves and heart chambers. Congenital heart disease may need confirmation through the test. Additionally, an echocardiogram can detect any changes in the heart that may be symptoms of an aneurysm, clotting, and a cardiac tumor.
What are the Types of Echocardiograms?
Your doctor may perform a specific type of echo, depending on the condition you may be experiencing. The types may include the following.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram
During this standard procedure, your doctor presses a device known as a transducer firmly against your chest. The device then records sound waves from your heart and converts them to moving pictures on a screen.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
A standard echocardiogram may fail to outline the images of your heart clearly. Therefore, you may need a transesophageal echo. Your doctor numbs your throat and gives you medications to keep you calm. Your doctor then passes a tube with a transducer into the esophagus to record sound wave echoes. The echoes will then convert to moving pictures on a monitor, from which your doctor can see and check lung disorders and evaluate your valves.
Doppler Echocardiogram
Your doctor can measure the direction of your blood flow and speed through signals because sound waves bounce off and change signals as they move. The changes are known as doppler signals and apply in transesophageal and transthoracic echo. Doppler can detect heart issues the ultrasound may not notice.
Stress Echocardiogram
Heart problems, especially those affecting the coronary arteries, only show during exercise. Your doctor will take an ultrasound image of your heart before and after an exercise, like walking on a treadmill. Your doctor may give you an injection that makes your heart pump as fast as during an exercise if you cannot perform physical activity
You can benefit from any of the above types of echocardiogram when you visit TLC Medical Group Inc. Echocardiograms can help your early symptoms of a heart problem and check your heart’s overall health. Visit the facility today to get your test. You can also book an online appointment when you visit the website.
Comments