Frequently called an “echo” test within the medical field, the echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to view the internal structures of the heart. It is perfect for monitoring anyone who has previously had an abnormal ECG. The echocardiogram will not only look at the damaged received to the heart by any recent heart disease, but it can also show structural changes from previous disease. For example, damage to the heart from an undiagnosed heart attack can show on echocardiogram.
Main Indications of Echocardiograms
* Therefore, the main indication for having this test ordered is to check the pumping mechanism of the heart. The doctor can use it to get a 3-D image of how well the heart is pumping.
* A echo can also be ordered instances of a suspected heart attack. Any heart attack complications such damage to the heart wall can be detected.
* Detection of adult cardiac conditions that have been inherited is another benefit in using an echocardiogram to monitor the heart as with mitral valve prolapse.
* Anyone with is suspected of heart valve disease can undergo this procedure to determine the severity of the disease.
* As the standard procedure is noninvasive, it can be used on neonates and babies to determine inherited heart defects. It can also be used to view the cardiac structure of a fetus.
How A Echocardiogram Is Performed
An echocardiogram is a cardiac ultrasound. With the standard procedure called the transthoracic echocardiogram, the radiographer will place clear diagnostic gel on the chest of the patient. The probe from the ultrasound machine is then placed on top of the gel. The ultrasound will send an ultrasound wave into the chest. This allows the radiographer to vEchocardiogramiew the inner structures as the ultrasound probe is moved over the heart.
Other Types of Echocardiograms and its Classifications
As stated by the Mayoclinic, other than the standard procedure and depending on the findings on your medical examination your doctor can order different types of types of echocardiograms for you.
Transoesophageal echocardiogram (TOE): With this type of heart imaging, the heart is monitored by taking images of your heart using a probe placed inside the digestive system. The radiographer will insert a thin long probe into the esophagus. The esophagus is the feeding tube that is located posterior to the heart.
Using this method, a clear image of the heart valves and its chambers are obtained. For TOE, it does mean that the patient will need to remain awake to swallow the thin probe, but the back of throat will be numb to prevent the feeling of choking. TOE is preferred in instances where a doctor will like to receive a closer view of the heart without the anterior organs such as the lungs, being in the way.
Stress echocardiogram: With this subtype of heart monitoring, a echocardiographer will ask the patient to complete an exercise such as walking on a treadmill. After this exercise is completed, images of the heart is taken. A stress echo is usually done to see how the heart functions after it has been stimulated. It is usually ordered by a doctor to confirm a diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
Doppler echocardiogram: This is echocardiography that is used to measure the flow of blood through the heart. It can also detect abnormal heart valve function. As advanced method of viewing the heart, Doppler images will not only detect the direction the blood is flowing, but also its speed and pattern. Therefore, it can document or confirm cases of suspected of heart valve disease such as cardiac stenosis or insufficiency.
Doppler Ultrasound
According to Anaesthist.com, one of the main ways in which Doppler works is that the ultrasound waves will reflect off the red blood cells as it moves through the heart. This will produce a shift in the frequency known as the Doppler shift. This can tell the echocardiographer if the flow of blood is parallel to that of the ultrasound wave being emitted from the probe.
Classification
Echocardiograms can also be classified based on the way the heart is viewed. In M-mode the heart is viewed in only one dimension and the heart appears as if a slice was made through and then viewed. However, this is in contrast to 2-D or 3-D mode in which the internal and external surface of the heart can be seen.
Procedural Risks
There are risks associated with having an echocardiogram done. However, the risks to this procedure are quite limited. One of the main risks can involve an allergic reaction to the ultrasound gel used. This is a rare occurrence.
Another risk when having this procedure is during a stress echocardiogram. The stress that is placed on a heart that is significantly damaged or unable to cope can lead to the person having a heart attack.