{"id":933,"date":"2025-03-29T08:21:06","date_gmt":"2025-03-29T04:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mehrhospital.com\/en\/?page_id=933"},"modified":"2025-04-03T07:43:51","modified_gmt":"2025-04-03T04:13:51","slug":"echo-cardiography","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mehrmashhadhospital.ir\/en\/echo-cardiography\/","title":{"rendered":"Echo Cardiography"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"933\" class=\"elementor elementor-933\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-b600729 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"b600729\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ed5cbf\" data-id=\"2ed5cbf\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2058195 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2058195\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Echocardiogram<\/strong><\/p><p>An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that checks the structure and function of your heart. An echo can diagnose a range of conditions including cardiomyopathy and valve disease. There are several types of echo tests, including transthoracic and transesophageal. Talk with your provider about the type that\u2019s best for you.<\/p><p><strong>What is an echocardiogram?<\/strong><\/p><p>An echocardiogram (echo) is a graphic outline of your heart\u2019s movement. During an echo test, your healthcare provider uses ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) from a hand-held wand placed on your chest to take pictures of your heart\u2019s valves and chambers. This helps the provider evaluate the pumping action of your heart.<\/p><p>Providers often combine echo with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler techniques to evaluate blood flow across your heart\u2019s valves.<\/p><p>Echocardiography uses no radiation. This makes an echo different from other tests like X-rays and CT scans that use small amounts of radiation.<\/p><p>Who performs an echo test?<\/p><p>A technician called a cardiac sonographer performs your echo. They\u2019re trained in performing echo tests and using the most current technology. They\u2019re prepared to work in a variety of settings including hospital rooms and catheterization labs.<\/p><p>What are the different types of echocardiogram?<\/p><p>There are several types of echocardiogram. Each one offers unique benefits in diagnosing and managing heart disease. They include:<\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/13477-echocardiogram-transthoracic-tte\">Transthoracic echocardiogram<\/a>.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/4992-echocardiogram-transesophageal-tee\">Transesophageal echocardiogram<\/a>.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/16983-exercise-stress-echocardiogram\">Exercise stress echocardiogram<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul><p>What techniques are used in echocardiography?<\/p><p>Several techniques can be used to create pictures of your heart. The best technique depends on your specific condition and what your provider needs to see. These techniques include:<\/p><ul><li>Two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound. This approach is used most often. It produces 2D images that appear as \u201cslices\u201d on the computer screen. Traditionally, these slices could be \u201cstacked\u201d to build a 3D structure.<\/li><li>Three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound. Advances in technology have made 3D imaging more efficient and useful. New 3D techniques show different aspects of your heart, including how well it pumps blood, with greater accuracy. Using 3D also allows your sonographer to see parts of your heart from different angles.<\/li><li>Doppler ultrasound. This technique shows how fast your blood flows, and also in what direction.<\/li><li>Color Doppler ultrasound. This technique also shows your blood flow, but it uses different colors to highlight the different directions of flow.<\/li><li>Strain imaging. This approach shows changes in how your heart muscle moves. It can catch early signs of some heart disease.<\/li><li>Contrast imaging. Your provider injects a substance called a contrast agent into one of your veins. The substance is visible in the images and can help show details of your heart. Some people experience an allergic reaction to the contrast agent, but reactions are usually mild.<\/li><\/ul><p>How long does an echocardiogram take?<\/p><p>An echocardiogram usually takes 40 to 60 minutes. A transesophageal echo may take up to 90 minutes.<\/p><p>What is an echocardiogram vs. an EKG?<\/p><p>An echocardiogram and an electrocardiogram (called an EKG or ECG) both check your heart. But they check for different things and produce different types of visuals.<\/p><p>An echo checks the overall structure and function of your heart. It produces moving pictures of your heart.<\/p><p>An EKG checks your heart\u2019s electrical activity. It produces a graph, rather than pictures of your heart. The lines on this graph show your heart rate and rhythm.<\/p><p>When would I need an echocardiogram?<\/p><p>Your provider will order an echo for many reasons. You may need an echocardiogram if:<\/p><ul><li>You have symptoms, and your healthcare provider wants to learn more (either by diagnosing a problem or ruling out possible causes).<\/li><li>Your provider thinks you have some form of heart disease. The echo is used to diagnose the specific problem and learn more about it.<\/li><li>Your provider wants to check on a condition you\u2019ve already been diagnosed with. For example, some people with valve disease need echo tests on a regular basis.<\/li><li>You\u2019re preparing for a surgery or procedure.<\/li><li>Your provider wants to check the outcome of a surgery or procedure.<\/li><\/ul><p>What does an echocardiogram show?<\/p><p>An echocardiogram can detect many different types of heart disease. These include:<\/p><ul><li>Congenital heart disease, which you\u2019re born with.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/16841-cardiomyopathy\">Cardiomyopathy<\/a>, which affects your heart muscle.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/16957-endocarditis\">Infective endocarditis<\/a>, which is an infection in your heart\u2019s chambers or valves.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/17350-pericardial-conditions\">Pericardial disease<\/a>, which affects the two-layered sac that covers the outer surface of your heart.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/17639-what-you-need-to-know-heart-valve-disease\">Valve disease<\/a>, which affects the \u201cdoors\u201d that connect the chambers of your heart.<\/li><\/ul><p>An echo can also show changes in your heart that could indicate:<\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/16742-aorta-aortic-aneurysm\">Aortic aneurysm<\/a>.<\/li><li>Blood clots.<\/li><li>A cardiac tumor.<\/li><\/ul><p>During a transthoracic echocardiogram, your provider will place electrodes on your chest and use a hand-held wand to create pictures of your heart.<\/p><p>How is a transthoracic echocardiogram done?<\/p><p>A transthoracic echo is the type most people think of when they hear \u201cheart echo.\u201d It\u2019s also the type most often used. It\u2019s performed outside your body.<\/p><p>A sonographer places a hand-held wand (called a transducer) on the outside of your chest to send sound waves to your heart. These sound waves bounce off the different parts of your heart.<\/p><p>These \u201cechoes\u201d then appear as pictures on the sonographer\u2019s computer screen. These pictures can also be saved for your cardiologist and physician to review later.<\/p><p>Preparing for a transthoracic echo<\/p><p>There\u2019s not much you need to do to prepare for this type of echo. In general:<\/p><ul><li>You don\u2019t need to avoid eating or drinking before a transthoracic echo.<\/li><li>Take your medications as you usually do.<\/li><li>Wear anything you\u2019d like.<\/li><li>Leave anything valuable at home. You\u2019ll be given a storage locker to use during the test.<\/li><\/ul><p>What to expect during a transthoracic echo<\/p><p>A transthoracic echo includes the following steps:<\/p><ol><li>You\u2019ll be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up. You\u2019ll put on a hospital gown.<\/li><li>Your sonographer will place several electrodes on your chest. These are small, flat, sticky patches. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph (EKG) monitor. The EKG records your heart\u2019s electrical activity during the test.<\/li><li>You\u2019ll lie down on an exam table. Your sonographer will ask you to lie on your left side if possible.<\/li><li>Your sonographer will place a sound-wave transducer (wand) on several areas of your chest. There\u2019s a small amount of gel on the end of the wand, which won\u2019t harm your skin. This gel helps produce clearer pictures.<\/li><li>You may hear swishing sounds throughout the test. This is normal. It means you\u2019re hearing blood flowing through your heart as the wand picks up the sound.<\/li><li>Throughout the test, your sonographer may ask you to hold your breath for several seconds at a time. You may also need to move into a different position.<\/li><\/ol><p>You should feel no major discomfort during the test. You may feel a coolness on your skin from the gel on the wand. You may also feel a slight pressure of the wand against your chest.<\/p><p>How is a transesophageal echocardiogram done?<\/p><p>A transesophageal echo takes pictures from inside your chest, rather than from the outside. It can show your heart and valves in greater detail than a transthoracic echo. That\u2019s because your body\u2019s bones and tissues aren\u2019t in between the transducer and your heart.<\/p><p>For this test, the sonographer guides a small transducer down your throat and esophagus (food tube) using a long, flexible tube. This minimally invasive procedure may cause mild, temporary discomfort. But it has a low risk of serious problems.<\/p><p>This type of echo may be used:<\/p><ul><li>When your provider needs a detailed look at your aorta or the back of your heart (especially your left atrium or left ventricle).<\/li><li>To check for blood clots.<\/li><li>To evaluate your mitral valve or aortic valve.<\/li><li>If you have obesity or lung disorders.<\/li><li>If a transthoracic echo isn\u2019t possible for various other reasons.<\/li><\/ul><p>Preparing for a transesophageal echo<\/p><p>As you prepare for your echo, tell your doctor if you have:<\/p><ul><li>Problems with your esophagus, like a hiatal hernia.<\/li><li>Problems swallowing.<\/li><li>Sleep apnea.<\/li><li>IV drug use.<\/li><\/ul><p>It\u2019s also important to share if you take medication for:<\/p><ul><li>Sleep issues.<\/li><li>Anxiety.<\/li><li>Pain.<\/li><\/ul><p>Preparations for the day of your test include:<\/p><ul><li>Find someone to drive you home from your test. This is because you\u2019ll be sedated for the test, and you won\u2019t be able to drive for 24 hours.<\/li><li>Don\u2019t eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your test. Your provider may give you more specific instructions for eating and drinking. It\u2019s essential you follow these closely.<\/li><li>Ask your provider about when to take your usual medications. You may be able to take them at your usual time with a small sip of water.<\/li><li>Ask your provider about when and how to take your diabetes medication, if this is relevant to you.<\/li><li>Plan to leave any valuable personal items at home. You\u2019ll have access to a storage locker for your belongings during the test.<\/li><li>Plan to wear whatever\u2019s most comfortable for you. You\u2019ll change into a hospital gown before the echo begins.<\/li><\/ul><p>What to expect during a transesophageal echo<\/p><p>A transesophageal echo includes the following steps:<\/p><ol><li>You\u2019ll remove your clothing from the waist up and put on a hospital gown.<\/li><li>Your provider will place electrodes (small stickers) on your chest. The electrodes allow your sonographer to monitor your heart\u2019s electrical activity during the test.<\/li><li>Your provider will place a blood pressure cuff on your arm and a pulse oximeter on your finger.<\/li><li>You\u2019ll gargle with a solution that numbs your throat. Your provider will also spray your throat with pain-relieving medication.<\/li><li>To make you more comfortable, you\u2019ll be hooked up to an IV and sedated. You\u2019ll soon start to feel sleepy.<\/li><li>You may have a tube in your nose that provides oxygen.<\/li><li>You\u2019ll lie on your left side on the exam table.<\/li><li>The provider will insert an endoscope into your mouth. This is a long, thin, flexible tube that has a transducer on the tip. The tube travels into your throat and esophagus. It\u2019s lubricated to help it slide down more easily. While this may feel uncomfortable, it won\u2019t harm you. You may need to swallow to move the transducer into the right spot (just behind your heart).<\/li><li>Your provider will take pictures. You won\u2019t feel anything while this happens.<\/li><li>After your provider has the pictures they need, they\u2019ll remove the tube from your throat. You\u2019ll soon be able to get dressed and get ready to leave.<\/li><\/ol><p>How is an exercise stress echocardiogram done?<\/p><p>An exercise stress echo, sometimes simply called a stress echo, shows how your heart works when it\u2019s taxed. The test resembles a traditional <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diagnostics\/16984-exercise-stress-test\">exercise stress test<\/a>. A technician will monitor your heart rate and rhythm as well as your blood pressure (this is standard during a stress test). But they\u2019ll also use echo imaging (which isn\u2019t normally used during a stress test).<\/p><p>This test shows how well your heart can withstand activity. Your sonographer takes pictures before you start exercising and then right after you\u2019re done.<\/p><p>In some cases, you won\u2019t exercise. Instead, your provider will give you medication to make your heart work harder as if you were exercising. The goal is to force your heart to need more oxygen.<\/p><p>When your heart is under stress, your sonographer can see details they might not be able to see if you were lying on the exam table. These include problems with your coronary arteries or the lining of your heart.<\/p><p>Preparing for an exercise stress echo<\/p><p>Your provider will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your test. An exercise stress echo needs more preparation than other types of echo testing. These include:<\/p><ul><li>Not eating or drinking anything except water for at least four hours before your test.<\/li><li>Not smoking on the day of your test.<\/li><li>Avoiding caffeine for 24 hours before your test. This includes caffeine in any form (coffee, tea, decaf drinks and some over-the-counter pain medicines).<\/li><\/ul><p>Ask your provider when and how to take your usual medications. You may need to avoid taking certain heart medications on the day of your test. You may also need to change your dose of diabetes medication. Closely follow your provider\u2019s guidance.<\/p><p>You won\u2019t be sedated, but you still may want to ask someone to drive you to and from the appointment. You may feel tired after the test.<\/p><p>Plan to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. You\u2019ll need to walk or ride a stationary bike during the test, so wear what feels good for you.<\/p><p>What to expect during an exercise stress echo<\/p><p>The exercise stress echo will include the following steps:<\/p><ol><li>Your sonographer will place electrodes (small stickers) on your chest. These stickers are hooked up to an EKG monitor to check your heart rate and rhythm during the test.<\/li><li>Your provider will measure your heart rate, heart rhythm and blood pressure before you start moving.<\/li><li>You\u2019ll lie on an exam table so your sonographer can take pictures of your heart. They\u2019ll place a hand-held wand (the kind usually used for echo tests) on the outside of your chest in various spots.<\/li><li>Then, it\u2019s time to start moving. You\u2019ll walk on a treadmill or pedal on a stationary bike. The intensity will gradually increase. You\u2019ll keep going until you\u2019re exhausted. This usually takes seven to 12 minutes.<\/li><li>As you\u2019re exercising, a technician will ask how you\u2019re feeling. Tell them any and all symptoms you notice. They\u2019ll also watch your heart on the EKG monitor.<\/li><li>You\u2019ll stop moving, and you\u2019ll have another echo test done.<\/li><li>You\u2019ll then do a short cool-down (slow walking or cycling), and your provider will monitor your vitals until they\u2019re back to normal.<\/li><\/ol><p>If you were given medication to stress your heart, the process will be a bit different. You won\u2019t be on a treadmill or bike. Talk to your provider to learn what to expect and how you might feel during this type of test.<\/p><p>Results and Follow-Up<\/p><p>How do I get the results of my test?<\/p><p>After your cardiologist reviews your test, they\u2019ll enter the results into your electronic medical record. Your primary care provider will have access to the results, too. You\u2019ll discuss the results with one or both of these providers.<\/p><p>Ask any questions you\u2019d like about the pictures and what they mean. Your provider will explain what the pictures show and whether you need follow-up tests or treatment.<\/p><p>Additional Common Questions<\/p><p>What should you not do before an echocardiogram?<\/p><p>It depends on which type of echo you\u2019re having done. Check with your provider to learn exactly what you should avoid. Things you may need to avoid before your echo include:<\/p><ul><li>Eating or drinking.<\/li><li>Smoking or using any nicotine products.<\/li><li>Drinking coffee or anything with caffeine in it. This includes decaf drinks, which still contain a small amount of caffeine. It also includes over-the-counter medications that contain caffeine.<\/li><\/ul><p>You may need to adjust your medication schedule before your echo. Don\u2019t stop taking any medications or make any changes until you talk with your provider.<\/p><p>An echocardiogram is an important test that can reveal a lot about your heart\u2019s structure and function. If your provider recommends an echo for you, ask about what type you\u2019ll be receiving and what you can expect. You may need more than one echo, or multiple tests with different techniques, so your provider can get enough details about your heart.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div style=\"margin: 20px 0;\"><div class=\"qrcswholewtapper\" style=\"text-align:left;\"><div class=\"qrcprowrapper\"  id=\"qrcwraa2leds\"><div class=\"qrc_canvass\" id=\"qrc_cuttenpages_2\" style=\"display:inline-block\" data-text=\"https:\/\/mehrmashhadhospital.ir\/en\/echo-cardiography\/\"><\/div><div><a download=\"Echo Cardiography.png\" class=\"qrcdownloads\" id=\"worign\">\r\n           <button type=\"button\" style=\"min-width:100px;background:#c8fd8c;color:#000;font-weight: 600;border: 1px solid #dddddd;border-radius:4px;font-size:12px;padding: 6px 0;\" class=\"uqr_code_btn\">Download QR<\/button>\r\n           <\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Echocardiogram An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that checks the structure and function of your heart. An echo can diagnose a range of conditions including cardiomyopathy and valve disease. There are several types of echo tests, including transthoracic and transesophageal. Talk with your provider about the type that\u2019s best for you. What is an echocardiogram? &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-933","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehrmashhadhospital.ir\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/933","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehrmashhadhospital.ir\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehrmashhadhospital.ir\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehrmashhadhospital.ir\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mehrmashhadhospital.ir\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=933"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/mehrmashhadhospital.ir\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/933\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1013,"href":"https:\/\/mehrmashhadhospital.ir\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/933\/revisions\/1013"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mehrmashhadhospital.ir\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=933"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}