Cardiac Sonographer Exam

Heart attacks affect 7 million people in the U.S. each year. Of those, 250,000 die before reaching a hospital. Regular checks such as the cardiac sonograph exam can identify potential problems and provide vital early warnings.

Profession

• Cardiac sonographers in the U.S. must, as a minimum, hold an associate degree in echocardiography and pass the National Registry Exam in order to be accredited by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers. It is increasingly common for sonographers to hold a bachelor's degree due to the growing complexity of the profession and its tools.

Ultrasound

• During a cardiac sonography exam, sonographers use ultrasound technology to examine the heart by creating an image of its anatomy. The process is similar to that employed by antenatal sonographers, creating a black and white image of the heart and the vessels to which it is connected.

Role

• As well as carrying out the actual exam, sonographers report their findings to the patient's physician, as an aid to the doctor's diagnosis of the patient's condition. They use their own discretion and interpretation to provide diagnoses.