An echocardiogram (echo) is used to enable the doctors to see a graphic outline of the functioning of the heart, as well as monitor how the valves of the heart are functioning. In an echo test, sound waves are produced in order to produce live images of the heart.
An echocardiogram can help the doctors to spot:
· Blood clots present in the heart
· Fluid in the sac around the heart
· Problems with the aorta, which is one of the key arteries connected to the heart
An echocardiogram is often prescribed by doctors to determine the health of the heart muscle, especially after the patient has suffered from a heart attack. This test can also reveal any heart related problems in unborn babies.
How to prepare for an echocardiogram
Preparation for diverse types of echocardiogram would require distinguished types of preparation. While a transthoracic echocardiogram involves no special preparation, when going for a transesophageal echocardiogram, the doctors may instruct the patients not to eat anything for a few hours prior to undergoing the test. This precaution is taken to prevent the patients from vomiting during the echocardiogram process. Due to the sedatives used in this test, people may not be able to drive for a few hours after going through an echocardiogram.
The patients who have been prescribed a stress echocardiogram must wear comfortable and soft clothes and shoes for the test.
Going through an echocardiogram is painless, and there are no such risks involved in it, unless it is a very rare case. If you are asking yourself if there is any facility for echo test near me, then you should definitely visit the website of any renowned service provider of diagnostic and related healthcare tests.
After an echocardiogram
Subsequent to reviewing the results of the test, the doctors may be able to identify the following abnormalities:
· Heart defects
· Heart size
· Pumping strength
· Valve problems
· Damage to the heart muscle
If the doctor is concerned about the echocardiogram test results, he/she may refer the patient to a cardiologist or order more tests or physical exams. In case an individual is diagnosed with a heart condition, then the doctor would subsequently develop the necessary treatment plan for them.
