Answers to your questions about Echocardiogram
and Stress Echo

What is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram, commonly called a "2-D echo" is done with ultrasound. It is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure which is safe and painless. A small hand held device called a transducer well be used to take your pictures. These pictures appear on a television-like screen and are recorded on videotape and on paper.

A2-D echo will show the structures of your heart. It can evaluate the function of your heart muscle and valve.

In addition, your doctor might order a Spectral Doppler study, this study is done with the 2-D echo using the same or similar transducer. A Spectral Doppler measures the speed and amount of blood going through the valves of the heart. You will hear a funny swishing sound, while the Doppler is being performed. This is the blood flowing through your heart.

A color flow Doppler will also be part of your study. This is also done with a transducer. A color flow Doppler will show the direction of the blood flowing in the heart. It will show any valves that are leaking (regurgitation) or stiff (stenoic) and any shunts (holes) in the heart. A color flow Doppler is used to complement the 2-D and Spectral Doppler study.

What will I experience during the test?
The 2-D echo will be performed by a specially trained sonographer. The entire procedure will be explained to you prior to the test. A 2-D echo will take about 20 to 30 minutes to do. A 2-D echo and Spectral Doppler with color flow usually takes a little longer, about 30 to 45 minutes. You will be asked to undress from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear. Your blood pressure will be checked and three electrodes or patches will be placed on your chest. This is to monitor your heart beat during the test.

An echo does not hurt. A harmless, water-soluble "gel" is applied to the area of your skin where the transducer will be placed. This may feel cold and a bit most. The gel will be wiped off thoroughly after the test is completed. You might feel a slight pressure on your chest as the tranducer is moved into different positions in order to obtain the best possible pictures. Please let the sonographer know if this is too uncomfortable. The transducer may be moved from the center of the chest, your left side and upper abdomen. Sometimes it is necessary to take pictures from under your neck.

You will be lying on your left side or flat on your back for the entire procedure. You may be asked to change procedure. You may be asked to change your procedure. You may be asked to change your position in order to get better pictures. You should feel comfortable at all times. Feel free to let the sonographer know if you are uncomfortable and would like to move in a different position.

What is a Treadmill Stress Echo
Exercise echocardiography is a test that is comprised of several components, including the exercise itself, echocardiographic imaging under resting & stress conditions & interpretation.

What is a Dobutamine Stress Echo?
This procedure is currently used for patients that are unable to adequately exercise. Dobutabine is a drug given through an Intravenous line. It has the advantage of providing a graded level of cardiac stress over a relatively short period of time.

When will I know what the results of the test are?
After all your pictures and measurements are taken, the study will be interpreted by a Cardiologist. if you have had a previous echocardiogram here, the Cardiologist will compare the two studies. A final report will be sent to your doctor, and he will review the results with you.

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