Explanation for Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram, also referred to as a Doppler ultrasound of the heart, is a medical testing procedure that allows health care professionals to examine the heart with noninvasive equipment. A majority of echocardiograms are performed at doctors' offices and hospitals.

• An echocardiogram is a noninvasive procedure.

Function

• Echocardiograms allow doctors to diagnose, monitor and evaluate various cardiovascular conditions, including abnormal heart valves, congenital heart disease, heart murmurs and pulmonary hypertension. Some physicians use an echocardiogram to find the source of a blood clot following a stroke.

Features

• An echocardiogram uses a transducer, which is like a microphone, to record sound wave echoes produced by the heart. Computer software converts these sound waves into moving images.

Location

• A trained ultrasound professional places the transducer on the ribs closest to the breast bone. The transducer is aimed toward the heart to pick up the sound waves of cardiovascular activity.

Types

• Transthoracic echocardiograms are commonly used for basic procedures. A stress echocardiogram captures ultrasound images of the heart just before and after performing physical activity.

Considerations

• On rare occasions, special echocardiography probes must be inserted down the throat. These transesophageal echocardiograms are typically used when the images on standard echocardiograms are unclear due to obesity or lung disease.

Warnings

• Standard transthoracic echocardiograms are associated with very few risks. Transesophageal echocardiograms frequently cause scraped, sore throats.