Echocardiogram (Heart Echo Scan)
An echocardiogram, also known as an echo, is a type of ultrasound scan that looks at the heart muscle, chambers, and valves. Using a probe, high-frequency sound waves are sent into the patient’s heart. These sound waves bounce off different parts of the heart and surrounding areas and create a moving picture of the heart valves and chambers.
Understanding How It Works
During an echocardiogram, a skilled technician, known as a sonographer, places a transducer device on the chest. This transducer emits high-frequency sound waves, which bounce off the heart’s structures, creating real-time images displayed on a monitor. These images allow healthcare professionals to evaluate the heart’s chambers, valves, walls, and blood flow patterns.
Types of Echocardiograms
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): This is the most common type, performed by placing the transducer on the chest wall. It provides a comprehensive view of the heart’s overall health.
- Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): In this type, a specialized probe is passed through the mouth into the esophagus, offering clearer images of the heart’s structures, especially when a more detailed view is necessary.
- Stress Echocardiogram: This variation involves an echocardiogram before and after exercise (or using medication to simulate exercise) to assess how the heart functions under stress.
What to Expect During the Test
The echocardiogram is painless and typically lasts between 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the type and complexity. Patients usually lie on their left side while the technician applies gel to the chest area to enhance the sound wave transmission. The technician moves the transducer across different areas of the chest to obtain various views of the heart.
Why It’s Done
An echocardiogram helps in diagnosing or monitoring various heart conditions, including:
- Assessing heart valve diseases
- Detecting abnormalities in heart muscle function or thickness
- Evaluating congenital heart defects
- Identifying blood clots or masses within the heart
- Assessing the overall pumping function of the heart (ejection fraction)
Benefits and Safety
This test is non-invasive, has no known risks or side effects, and provides valuable information without the use of radiation. It is safe for patients of all ages, including pregnant women.
After the Test
Once the echocardiogram is complete, a cardiologist interprets the images and prepares a report for the referring physician. The results help guide treatment decisions and ongoing management of heart conditions.