What is an echocardiogram?
Echocardiogram or a heart ultrasound is a procedure when safe sound waves are delivered to the chest to measure the resulting echo. The feedback data is converted to an image shown in screen that can describe the shape, size and function of the heart muscles and heart valves. This test is safe and painless and can be performed at any time without requiring fasting.
What are the benefits of echocardiograms?
They are suitable for patients with labored breathing, fatigue and edema who suspect they might have heart disease. This procedure helps doctors diagnose heart disease when used together with other test methods such as heart CT scan and coronary angiography, since they help doctors diagnose heart disease with certainty. Often heart diseases are related to the contraction of heart muscles, heart valve function, blood circulation in the heart, blood clots, heart chamber size and locations where blood vessels enter and exit the heart.
How can you prepare for this test?
Because this test is highly safe, no prior preparations are necessary. You do not need to fast from water and food. However, if you are taking medications, you need to notify your doctor or nurse in advance, since your medications might influence your test results and heart function. Before you undergo this test, the staff will instruct you to change your clothes. If you are female, you will have to remove your bra first, since the staff has to attach a device to monitor your heart waves. This test is a specialized test that must be supervised by a cardiologist and requires about 30-45 minutes to perform, and usually no more than 1 hour. The test can be repeated as needed according to the doctor’s discretion. Many tests can be taken on the same day without producing any side effect.
