Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram in Frisco and Mckinney

An echocardiogram makes use of sound waves to create pictures of your heart. This popular test lets your doctor see your heart pounding and blood flowing. The photos from an echocardiogram can be used by your doctor to diagnose heart disease. We provide services at Echocardiogram centre in Frisco, Mckinney, Texas.

Transthoracic Echocardiogram

If the vision is obscured by your lungs or ribs you can need a small amount of an enhancing agent injected through an intravenous ( IV) tube. The enhancing agent, which is usually healthy and well accepted, can make the structures of your heart show up on a monitor more clearly.

Echocardio

Doppler Echocardiogram

When sound waves bounce off blood cells that travel through your heart and blood vessels, they change pitch. These adjustments (Doppler signals) will help your doctor determine the blood flow rate and path within your heart.

Transesophageal Echocardiogram

The transducer goes down your throat and into your esophagus (the swallowing tube which connects your mouth to your stomach) for this test. It can get a better view because it’s closer to your heart.

Stress Echocardiogram

Some heart problems — especially those affecting the arteries that carry blood to your heart muscle (coronary arteries)—only occur during physical exercise. Your doctor may prescribe an echocardiogram of stress to check for problems with the coronary arteries. But an echocardiogram can not provide information on any blockages in the arteries of the heart. We also provide primary care medical center in Frisco, Mckinney, Texas.

What is an echocardiogram test?

An echocardiogram (echo=sound + card=heart + gram=drawing) is an ultrasound test that can evaluate the structures of the heart, as well as the direction of blood flow within it. An echocardiogram produces images of the heart by using sound waves. This test facilitates the physicians to observe not only the structure of the heart but also the function of the heart and helps them in the identification of any heart diseases. We also provide our services at Echocardiogram center in Frisco, Mckinney, Texas.

Why is echocardiogram conducted?

The treating physician may order an echocardiogram for various conditions:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Heart failure
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stroke
  • Palpitations
  • Blood clots

Are there any types in the echocardiogram test?

The type of echocardiogram to be conducted depends on the information that is needed for the physician:

  • Transthoracic echocardiogram: This is the most common type of echocardiogram that is done. A device called a transducer is placed on the chest over the heart. The transducer sends ultrasound waves toward the heart. A computer interprets and produces images as the sound waves bounce back to the transducer. We are the best Echocardiogram center in Frisco, Mckinney, Texas.
  • Transesophageal echocardiogram: This is used in hospitalized patients. In this procedure, the doctor guides a much smaller transducer down the patient’s throat through the mouth. In order to make the procedure easier the doctor will numb the patient’s throat.
  • Doppler echocardiogram: A three-dimensional (3-D) echocardiogram uses either transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography to create a 3-D image of the heart of the subject. This involves multiple images from different angles.
  • Stress echocardiogram: This procedure uses traditional transthoracic echocardiography; however, the procedure is performed before and after the exercise or after administration of medication which makes the patient’s heartbeat faster. This allows the physician to test how the patient’s heart performs under stress.

How is it conducted?
Transthoracic echocardiogram is the most commonly done test. This is typically done in the doctor’s office. There is no preparation required for this. You can take your medications normally. It is similar to getting an ultrasound done. The transducer is then moved back and forth over the patient’s chest for recording images. In some cases, the technician may ask the patient to breathe in a certain way or to roll onto the left side. The test usually takes an hour to perform. We also provide urgent care with Echocardiogram in Frisco, Mckinney, Texas.

After the test is performed
Most people can carry on their routine daily activities. The patients will be notified of the test results as soon as they are officially read by a specialist.

Are there any risks associated with this test?
No