An echocardiogram is used to detect problems in the anatomy and function of the heart. A portable gadget emits sound waves that bounce off your heart, resulting in a moving picture of it on a screen. This enables your healthcare professional to examine the structure of your heart from a variety of perspectives and to monitor your heart rhythm. If you are experiencing exhaustion, shortness of breath, or fainting, you may require an echocardiogram. This is particularly true if a Port Saint Lucie echocardiogram indicates that you have structural heart disease.
What to avoid before an echocardiogram
It is dependent on the sort of echocardiogram you have done. Consult your physician to find out precisely what you should avoid. You should avoid the following things before your echocardiogram:
- Eating and drinking.
- Using nicotine products or smoking.
- Consuming coffee or anything containing caffeine includes decaf beverages with a trace of caffeine. It also covers caffeine-containing over-the-counter drugs.
Additionally, you may need to modify your prescription regimen before your echo. Do not discontinue any drugs or change unless you have spoken with your physician.
Interpreting the result
Your specialist will write a report based on your echo results. The information will include the heart structure, cardiac motions, and any flaws discovered during the examination. Also, the report might take several days to many weeks to arrive. Because the data are so thorough, your doctor may want to meet with you to discuss the findings and future measures.
Limitations
While an echocardiogram can reveal much about heart structure, it cannot show the coronary arteries or any obstructions. If your coronary arteries have to be closely inspected, a procedure known as a cardiac catheterization is usually used. It may be challenging to view the heart during an echocardiogram in persons with specific diseases, such as a thick chest wall or emphysema. If you have one of these problems and require an echo, you may need a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) or an invasive heart ultrasound. This involves inserting a device into the esophagus to observe the heart.
Echocardiogram vs. electrocardiogram
An echocardiogram should not be confused with another diagnostic test known as an EKG. An EKG (electrocardiogram) measures the electrical impulses or waves that flow through heart muscle tissue. The electrical activity in your heart causes the heart muscle tissues to contract and relax, resulting in the rhythmic heartbeat heard with a stethoscope. An EKG can be performed by a professional technician, nurse, or doctor by putting electrodes on the skin of the chest, arms, or legs. These electrodes monitor electrical activity and feed it to a computer, translating it into a graph that the doctor may print.
An echocardiogram is a vital examination that may tell a lot about the anatomy and function of your heart. If your clinician suggests an echo, inquire about the type you will be having and what to expect. You may require more than one echo or many tests using different modalities to give your physician enough information about your heart. Request that your physician explains the images to you and assist you in understanding what they imply. Taking an active part in your diagnosis and care might help you feel at ease throughout the process. Call TLC Medical Group Inc or book your appointment online to learn more about various echocardiogram procedures.
