Echocardiography
Echocardiography, often referred to as an “echo test” or heart ultrasound, is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your heart’s structure and function. This valuable tool helps physicians evaluate heart health and diagnose various cardiac conditions.
What is Echocardiography?
Echocardiography uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create real-time moving images of your heart. The test allows doctors to:
- Observe the size and shape of your heart
- Evaluate how well your heart chambers and valves are functioning
- Measure blood flow through your heart
- Detect abnormalities in heart structure and function
- Assess heart muscle strength and movement
Types of Echocardiography
At BB Global Health, we offer several types of echocardiography:
- Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE): The standard, non-invasive procedure where a transducer is placed on your chest
- Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): A specialized procedure where the ultrasound transducer is guided down your throat to obtain clearer images of the heart
- Stress Echocardiography: Combines an echo test with exercise or medication to see how your heart performs under stress
- 3D Echocardiography: Advanced technology that creates three-dimensional images of your heart for more detailed evaluation
What Can Echocardiography Detect?
Echocardiography can help diagnose and evaluate:
- Heart valve diseases (stenosis, regurgitation)
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart muscle disorders (cardiomyopathy)
- Heart failure
- Cardiac tumors or masses
- Heart damage after a heart attack
- Fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)
- Blood clots or vegetations in the heart
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Abnormal heart rhythms
How is the Procedure Performed?
During a standard transthoracic echocardiogram:
- You’ll lie on an examination table, often on your left side
- A technician will apply a special gel to your chest
- A handheld device called a transducer will be moved across your chest
- The transducer sends sound waves that bounce off your heart and return as echoes
- These echoes are converted into images that appear on a monitor
- The entire procedure usually takes 30-60 minutes and is completely painless
Benefits of Echocardiography
- Non-invasive: No radiation or needles required
- Quick and Painless: Typically takes less than an hour
- Real-time Images: Provides immediate visualization of heart function
- Widely Available: Common, accessible diagnostic tool
- Safe: No known risks associated with standard echocardiography
Preparation for Your Echocardiogram
- No special preparation is needed for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram
- You can eat, drink, and take medications as usual
- Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing as you’ll need to expose your chest
- For specialized types of echocardiography (like TEE or stress echo), your doctor will provide specific preparation instructions
At BB Global Health, our cardiology team includes specialists trained in the latest echocardiography techniques. Our advanced equipment ensures high-quality imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
For more information or to schedule an echocardiogram, please contact us.
