Echocardiogram
Overview:
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It allows a cardiologist to evaluate the valves and chambers of the heart in a noninvasive manner. The echocardiogram helps to detect tumors and other irregularities, as well as to evaluate the cardiac wall function after a heart attack.
Detailed Information:
A colorless gel will be applied to your chest and the echo transducer is placed on top of it. The echo technologist then makes recordings from different parts of the chest to obtain different views of the heart. You may be asked to change positions, for example, from your back and to your side. You may also be told to breathe slowly or to hold your breath. This helps in obtaining higher quality pictures. The images are constantly viewed on the monitor. It is also recorded on photographic paper and on videotape. The tape offers a permanent record of the examination and is reviewed by the physician prior to completion of a final report.
Last updated: 03-Jun-04
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