What does an ultrasound of your heart show?
Echocardiography (echo) shows the size, structure, and movement of various parts of your heart. These parts include the heart valves, the septum (the wall separating the right and left heart chambers), and the walls of the heart chambers. Doppler ultrasound shows the movement of blood through your heart.
How long does it take to get heart ultrasound results?
The results of your echo will be prepared in a report in which your doctor will describe the heart anatomy, heart movements, and any defects observed during the test. It may take several days to several weeks for you to receive the report.
What is the purpose of a heart ultrasound?
An echocardiogram (echo) is a graphic outline of the heart’s movement. During an echo test, ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) from a hand-held wand placed on your chest provides pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers and helps the sonographer evaluate the pumping action of the heart.
What is ultrasound technique creates an image of the heart?
A heart ultrasound is a useful tool to evaluate the structure and function of the heart and associated vessels. It is a fast, easy and painless evaluation that uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart.
Why might I need a heart ultrasound?
Why would I need a heart ultrasound? For symptoms like shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or chest pain, your doctor might request a heart ultrasound to help find the cause for your concerns. Also known as an echocardiogram or ECHO, this type of medical imaging uses a wand-like transducer, or probe, that emits high-frequency sound waves to create an image of your heart.
How are ultrasounds used for the heart?
The most common type of heart ultrasound is non-invasive and very easy on the patient. A specially trained technician, called a cardiac sonographer, uses a gel to slide a microphone-like device called a transducer over the chest area. This allows reflected sound waves to provide a live picture of your heart and valves.
What is a bad result for an echocardiogram?
There are no risks of a resting echocardiogram. If you have an exercise echo, you might develop chest pain during the test. Because this is a sign that your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen and could be in danger of damage, it’s important that you alert the medical staff immediately so that the test can be stopped.
