Echocardiography Specialist

What is echocardiography?

Echocardiography uses ultrasound technology to create pictures of your heart. The procedure is non-invasive, safe, and radiation-free. The image is an echocardiogram, and shows your physician:

• The size and thickness of your heart’s chambers;
• Valve function;
• The direction of blood flow through the heart;
• The pressures inside your heart and lungs; and,
• Weak or damaged cardiac muscle.

An echocardiogram also shows if there are any problems with the pericardium, which is the fluid-filled sac that surrounds your heart.

Overall, echocardiography allows your doctor to diagnose heart problems and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. 

Why would I need a echocardiography?

Your doctor might order an echocardiogram to determine what’s causing symptoms such as:

• Chest pain;
• Irregular heartbeat;
• Shortness of breath;
• High or low blood pressure;
• Leg swelling;
• Abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG) results; and,
• Heart murmur.

For example, your echocardiography can reveal leaky or blocked heart valves, chamber enlargement, or weak pumping function.

Your physician might also use echocardiography to see how well you respond to treatments, including medication, artificial valves, and pacemakers. 

How should I prepare for echocardiography?

You don’t need to do anything special before your echocardiogram. You can eat and drink normally but should wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. The technician might ask you to move during the test or adjust your clothing to create clear images. 

What happens during an echocardiogram?

Coral Gables Cardiology Associates, offers echocardiography for your convenience. You might need to change into a gown for your test, and the technician attaches EKG electrodes to your chest and back. 

You recline on a treatment table, and the technician applies a clear gel to your chest. The gel helps them glide the transducer wand over your skin smoothly to get the most precise images of your heart. 

The transducer sends the ultrasound waves into your body and collects their echoes as the waves bounce off your heart and surrounding tissue. The echocardiogram computer translates the echoes into pictures of your heart. 

The technician might ask you to breathe deeply or slightly adjust your position during your echocardiography test. The equipment records the images and videos so your physician can review them and discuss your results and next steps.

Speak to your physician to learn more about the on-site echocardiography offered at Coral Gables Cardiology Associates

We serve the greater Miami, Florida area. Call us to book your appointment today.