Echocardiogram

Service Description

The test is frequently used to look for heart valve leaks. It can assist in the diagnosis of valve diseases such valve stenosis and heart valve regurgitation. Changes in the anatomy of the heart and heart valves can be seen on an echocardiography. This simple test can help prevent serious cardiac diseases like heart attacks and heart failure. Indication: • Cardiac evaluation. • Atrial or ventricular septal wall defects • Heart valve disease • Systemic hypertension/hypotension. • Heart failure. • Respiratory failure. • Transient Ischemic Episodes. • Chest pain. • Murmurs. • Valve Disease. • Syncopy/ Dizziness/ Fainting. • Shortness of Breath/ Dyspnea. • LV Function. • Post Myocardial Infarction. • Pericarditis How do I get ready for an echocardiogram? • In most cases, there is no need for any preparation, including fasting or sedation. What happens during the procedure? • After explaining the process to you, your healthcare practitioner will ask if you have any questions. • Inform your healthcare practitioner of all the medications you use and if you have a pacemaker. • Wearing your glasses, dentures, or hearing aids is acceptable. • You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and given a gown to wear. • You will be asked to lie on your left side on a bed. • During the procedure, you will be hooked up to an ECG monitor that uses adhesive electrodes to continue monitoring your heart's electrical activity. • Warmed gel will be placed on your chest. The sonographer will move the transducer probe around and apply different pressures throughout the test to obtain images of various cardiac structures and locations. The pressure behind the probe shouldn't cause any discomfort. Inform the sonographer if it causes you any discomfort. • During the procedure, you might be asked to hold your breath and take deep breaths. • The sonographer may use an intravenous (IV) contrast to make the heart chambers more visible if the heart's structures are challenging. There is no need to be concerned if you have a shrimp or shellfish allergy because this contrast is not iodine-based. • Once the test is over, the sonographer will remove the ECG electrode pads and wipe the gel off your chest. Then, you can put on your clothes. What happens after an echocardiogram? No special care required, you can return to your regular activities and diet. A cardiologist will interpret the images and send their final impression to your healthcare provider.