What is an Echocardiogram?

  • An Echocardiogram is an exam of the heart which is done by using ultrasound waves to produce an image. It is safe and noninvasive. There is no radiation produced by ultrasound waves.

  • Doctors use echocardiograms to help them diagnose heart problems such as damaged cardiac tissue, enlarged heart chambers, stiffening of the heart muscle, damaged or leaky heart valves, fluid around the heart, blood clots, or to screen for holes in the heart muscle.

  • Echocardiograms are also performed to monitor patients using certain heart medicines, patients with artificial valves, and patients with pacemakers.

Some reasons patients receive an Echocardiogram:

  • Screen cardiovascular conditions for Pre-Op, Chemo, LV function

  • Pulmonary hypertension

  • Chest Pain

  • CAD - Coronary Heart Disease

  • CVA / TIA

  • Syncope (fainting)

  • Dyspnea / Shortness of breath

  • Abnormal EKG result (irregular heartbeat)

  • Atrial Fibrillation

  • Palpitations

  • Valve Disorders

  • Endocarditis

  • Edema (swelling of the arms/legs)

  • High or low blood pressure

  • Murmurs (abnormal sounds in the chest)

  • CHF - Congestive heart failure

  • Cardiomyopathy

  • Pericarditis / Pericardial Effusion

  • Myocarditis

  • Congenital Heart Disease

  • PDA - Pantent Ductus Arteriosus