Health Resource Center
Echocardiogram
Aug 21st 2008
An
echocardiogram utilizes ultrasound or sound waves to assess both the structure
and function of the heart. Most people are familiar with ultrasound since
it is the same technique utilized to take pictures of fetuses and also to image
many other structures, such as gallbladders, arteries and veins.
To obtain images of the
heart, sound waves are directed to the heart by a device laid against the chest
wall. This small device, called a transducer, also receives the sound
waves after they “echo” off the heart structures. The patient may feel some
pressure from the transducer when it moves across the chest. A computer is then
able to generate a picture of the heart from these “echoes”. As the
test is done you may be able to see these pictures on a small T.V. screen
contained in the echocardiogram machine.
This test is can be used
to determine a significant amount of information about your heart. The
type of information obtained from an echocardiogram can include the size and
function of the various chambers of the heart, the structure and function of
the valves of the heart, the structures surrounding the heart such as the
pericardium, and abnormalities such as blood clots, tumors and infections
within the heart. Additionally, utilizing a special technique called Doppler
echocardiography, blood flow through the heart can be detected. This can
be used to detect valvular abnormalities such as regurgitation (leaking)
and stenosis (restricted opening). Special Doppler echocardiography
techniques can also be utilized to assess the function of the heart muscle and
even determine very accurately the pressure within the heart and surrounding
blood vessels.
This test is very safe
and easy to perform. It usually takes 30-60 minutes to complete. It
is noninvasive (no needles or I.V.s are used except in special circumstances)
and generally not uncomfortable.
Click here to learn more about echocardiograms.
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