Echocardiography is a medical test that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart. It is often used to assess the heart’s size, shape, and function.
There are several different types of echocardiography, including transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and stress echocardiography. Transthoracic echocardiography is the most common type and is performed by placing a small hand-held device, called a transducer, on the patient’s chest. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off the heart and are then picked up by the device, creating an image of the heart on a monitor.
Transesophageal echocardiography is similar to transthoracic echocardiography, but the transducer is placed down the patient’s throat to get a closer view of the heart. Stress echocardiography is performed while the patient is exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike to assess how the heart functions during physical activity.
Echocardiography is typically performed by a specialized healthcare provider, such as a cardiologist or a sonographer. It is usually done in a hospital or clinic setting and does not require any special preparation.
Echocardiography is used for a variety of purposes, including evaluating the cause of chest pain, assessing heart valve function, and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for heart conditions. The cost of an echocardiography test can vary, but it is typically covered by insurance.
Before an echocardiography test, the patient should inform the healthcare provider of any medications they are taking and any allergies they have. During the test, the patient will be asked to lie on an exam table and remove any clothing or jewelry that may interfere with the procedure. The test usually takes 30-60 minutes.
After the echocardiography test, the images are typically reviewed by a healthcare provider, such as a cardiologist, who will interpret the results and provide a report to the patient’s primary care provider. The patient’s primary care provider will discuss the results with the patient and determine any necessary next steps.