Services

Echocardiography

What does it show us?

An echocardiogram (echo) uses ultrasound to image the heart in real time. Once we have an image of your heart, we then can measure all four chambers, the heart walls, and also evaluate all four heart valves.

Why do we do echoes?

We can use the information provided from an echo to assess the day to day function of the heart (i.e. how much blood the heart is pumping with each beat). Murmurs are a common occurrence in that doctors often hear them with a stethoscope. Echo is a unique tool that allows us to visualize the murmur and evaluate its severity.

What can the patient expect?

Echocardiograms don’t really require much of the patient. Once the technician shows you to exam room, it is quite simple. We only ask that you lay on your left side while we acquire the images necessary to complete the study. Small amounts of water-based gel and a few stickers will be placed on your upper body. The entire test usually takes between twenty to thirty minutes.

Visit this site for more information: www.seemyheart.org

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