How to Use an Echocardiogram to Assess Your Heart Health

Echocardiogram, also known as an echo, is a type of ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. The test is noninvasive and is used to assess your heart health.

Echocardiogram Types

There are two types of echocardiogram:

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) – During a TTE, the ultrasound transducer is placed on your chest. The transducer sends out ultrasound waves that bounce off your heart and create echoes. The echoes are recorded and converted into moving images of your heart.

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) – During a TEE, the ultrasound transducer is placed in your esophagus (the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach). The transducer sends out ultrasound waves that bounce off your heart and create echoes. The echoes are recorded and converted into moving images of your heart.

Benefits of Echocardiogram

echocardiogram in Sparta, NJ is a noninvasive test that is used to assess your heart health. It is a valuable tool in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. The test can provide information about the size and shape of the heart, the thickness of the heart walls, the valves of the heart, and the pumping action of the heart.The test is used to diagnose heart conditions, such as heart disease, heart attack, and heart failure. Echocardiogram can also be used to assess the effectiveness of treatments for heart conditions.

Different Types of Echocardiogram

There are four different types of echocardiogram: resting, stress, dobutamine, and contrast.

Resting echocardiogram is the most common type of echocardiogram. The test is used to assess the heart at rest.

Stress echocardiogram is used to assess the heart during physical activity. The test is used to diagnose coronary artery disease.

Dobutamine echocardiogram is used to assess the heart’s response to medication. The test is used  diagnose heart conditions that may not be apparent on a resting echocardiogram.

Contrast echocardiogram is used to assess the heart’s chambers and valves. The test is used to diagnose heart conditions that may not be apparent on a resting echocardiogram.

Conclusion

Echocardiogram is a valuable tool in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. The test is noninvasive and is used to assess your heart health.