If shortness of breath or chest pain is causing you concern, you may benefit from a diagnostic echocardiogram. At Houston Cardiology in Southwest Houston, Texas, board-certified cardiologist, Khuyen Do, MD, and the cardiology team offer in-office echocardiograms to quickly and accurately diagnose the root cause of unexplained symptoms that may relate to underlying heart conditions. Don’t put off diagnostic testing for heart-related issues. Schedule a consultation by calling Houston Cardiology to discuss the benefits of an echocardiogram.
Echocardiogram Q & A
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging test that uses sound waves to produce images of your heart. High-frequency sound waves bounce off the inner structures of your heart and the technology sends real-time pictures to an external monitor.
During an echocardiogram, your Houston Cardiology specialist watches the monitor to identify abnormalities in the heart, including issues involving your:
- Heart valves
- Heart chambers
- Heart size
- Blood vessels entering and leaving the heart
- Blood flow through the heart
Using the results of your test, your provider can determine if your heart is healthy, if you need additional diagnostic testing, or what treatment is right for you.
Why do I need an echocardiogram?
You may need an echocardiogram as part of a routine heart screening or to help your Houston Cardiology provider diagnose the cause of unexplained symptoms, like shortness of breath or irregular heartbeat that relate to:
- Arrhythmia
- Birth defects
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
The Houston Cardiology team often recommends an echocardiogram as part of your diagnostic evaluation, either on its own or in conjunction with other diagnostic tests.
What can I expect during an echocardiogram?
During your echocardiogram, you lie back and relax on an exam table. The test isn’t painful, but you may feel some occasional pressure as Dr. Do presses the transducer against your chest to get clear pictures of your heart.
Your Houston Cardiology provider places electrodes on several areas of your chest that connect to an electrocardiograph machine. These electrodes monitor information about your heartbeat throughout your test.
To help the echocardiogram transducer move easily across the surface of your skin, the technician applies a gel to your chest. They glide the handheld transducer over your heart to view images of its inner structures. Throughout the test, you may need to hold your breath to allow the clearest picture of your heart. An echocardiogram can also be done before and right after stress testing.
If necessary, your Houston Cardiology specialist may do a transesophageal echocardiogram. In this test, your provider numbs your throat and guides the transducer down your esophagus to get more detailed images of your heart.
Immediately following your test, your Houston Cardiology provider can discuss their findings. If they detect no issues with your heart, you can go back to your usual activities without any limitations. If the medical team identifies areas of concern, they may request additional diagnostic testing and work with you on a treatment plan to prevent long-term heart complications.
To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of an echocardiogram, schedule a consultation with Dr. Do and his medical team by calling Houston Cardiology today.