Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram is a test that used to create the image of the heart by using sound waves. This is used to manage and follow up the patient who have the heart diseases. It also used to evaluate the direction of the blood flow through heart. By using the electrodes which is placed on the heart, the electrical activity is measured.

The different types of echo cardiograms are : 

 

1.Trans thoracic echo cardiogram : In this this process, places probe, on the chest wall and bounces sound waves off the structures of the heart. The signals are received by the probe and converted to image with the help of a computer.

2.Transesophageal echocardiogram : Here instead of placing the probe on the chest wall, a cardiologist will direct the probe through the mouth into the esophagus. The sound waves can travel to the heart without the interference of the ribs and muscles of the chest wall.

3.Doppler echocardiogram: Using Doppler effect or technology, the echocardiogram can assess the speed and direction of blood flow, that can help to increase the amount and quality of information available from the test. The computer can add color to help the doctor appreciate that information.

4.Stress echocardiogram: The patient may be asked to exercise. The echocardiogram is performed before exercise as a baseline and then immediately afterwards.

The Echocardiogram is done for :

• Look for the cause of abnormal heart sounds, unexplained chest pains, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats.
• To check the thickness of the heart wall.
• To check the heart valves that for to know how well they work.
• See that how well an artificial heart valve is working.
• Measure the size and shape of the heart chambers.
• Check the ability of your heart chambers to pump blood.
• Detect a disease that affects the heart muscle.
• To check for blood clots and tumors inside the heart.

Normal results of Echocardiogram

A normal echocardiogram values indicates normal heart measures and chambers and normal wall movement.

Abonormal Results of Echocardiogram

Some problems are very minor and do not make major risks. Other abnormalities are signs of serious heart disease. You will need tests by a experts in such cases.

Risks with Echocardiogram

Usually no risk is associated with echocardiogram. Depend on the material used, there is a risk of having an allergic reaction. Most reactions can be controlled using medicine.

There are no known risks from a Doppler echocardiogram. During a transthoracic echo, the technician may have to press hard on your chest with the transducer. Tell the technician if you feel any pain or discomfort. A stress echocardiogram may cause

• Dizziness
• Low blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Irregular heartbeats
• Heart attack.

A transesophageal echocardiogram can sometimes cause:

• Nausea.
• Mouth or throat discomfort.
• Bleeding.
• Trouble breathing.
• Slow or abnormal heartbeats.

Child Heart Treatment Center imparts Interventional Pediatric Cardiac Treatment with Latest technologies in Delhi.

 

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