Echocardiogram

Also referred to as a Cardiac Echo, this test uses sound waves to evaluate the size, shape, and motion of the heart. The echocardiogram can evaluate the cardiac muscle function and blood flow through the heart valves. High frequency sound waves are emitted by a hand-held transducer. This device detects the “echo” as the sound waves are reflected from the internal structures of the heart. From this information, an image is generated on a video screen.
 
This safe, quick diagnostic procedure can assess heart function and detect several different cardiac abnormalities:
 

•	Abnormal Heart Valve Function (e.g. aortic stenosis, mitral regurgitation, and other conditions where the valves may leak or close improperly)
•	Heart Valve Infection (endocarditis)
•	Irregularity of Cardiac Contractile Force (myocardial infarction)
•	Abnormal Cardiac Enlargement
•	Abnormal Fluid Collection Around the Heart (pericardial effusion)
•	Abnormal Cardiac Wall Function (congestive heart failure)
•	Detection of Blood Clots Inside the Heart
•	Detection of a Tear in a Structure (e.g. aorta)
•	Detection of Coronary Artery Disease

 
The procedure can be performed in the office. There are no known risks.
 
In some cases, the echocardiogram can be used to ascertain the presence of coronary artery disease. The intravenous administration of a cardiac stimulating medication can cause subtle changes in the image produced by the echocardiogram. This test is known as a stress echocardiogram. The cardiologist can use the information obtained from this study to formulate a treatment plan, or to determine which patients may be candidates for cardiac catheterization.

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