What to Expect from Your Echocardiogram Appointment
You can expect to learn about your blood flow and heart performance during your echocardiogram appointment. Through echocardiogram Upper East Side, you can learn about any defects you have and can seek treatment afterward. Your specialist might perform one of the types of echocardiograms depending on your condition and needs.
Why do you need an echocardiogram?
You might need an echocardiogram if you have heart-related issues. The test is also useful in detecting heart issues like size, pump strength, blood clots, valve damage, aorta issues, defects, and fluid around your heart.
What does the process involve?
The steps that your specialist will take will depend on the type of test they will use. You might need to prepare for the tests, but your specialist will communicate about any preparation steps during the consultation visit.
Your specialist might perform the following types of echocardiograms depending on your condition and needs.
Transthoracic
Your specialist performs a transthoracic echocardiogram by placing sticky electrode patches on your chest. Next, they will apply a special gel on your chest to help a better record of your heart’s movement and blood flow. Using a transducer, your specialist will press firmly against your chest for clear images.
You should breathe at certain intensities so that your doctor can record the best results as you breathe. Your specialist might ask you to turn in different positions to better understand your heart’s function and performance.
Transesophageal
If your doctor needs better and clearer images of your heart and blood flow, they might recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram. This type of test might require you to prepare in ways like you should not eat or drink for at least six hours before your appointment.
Before the procedure, your doctor will numb your throat using a thin tube with a camera attached. They will guide it down your throat. Your specialist might also give you a sedative to limit your movement and keep you calm during the procedure.
Doppler
While the primary function of echocardiography is to look at your heart and its structures, the Doppler echocardiogram examines the speed and direction of your blood flow using the Doppler Effect. One of the significant benefits of using the Doppler echocardiogram test is that it is a minimally invasive procedure compared to cardiac catheterization to get similar results.
Stress
While the above echocardiograms involve minimal movement or require you to be still, the stress echocardiogram requires your heart to be at a stress level. During the assessment, your specialist might subject you to activities that require you to increase your heart activity, increasing your heart rate.
Your specialist will examine your heart, its structures, and blood flow before they subject you to exercise like running on a treadmill. After your exercise session, they will again examine you and compare the results.
If you have heart-related issues or are at risk of cardiovascular diseases, visit Upper East Side Cardiology for treatment. Get a qualified and experienced specialist and a compassionate team to perform your echocardiogram. Call or book an appointment online today.