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Echocardiogram
ECHOCARDIOGRAM IN MANHATTAN
What is echocardiography?
An echocardiogram, also known as an echo test or heart ultrasound, is a test that takes pictures of the heart using sound waves in order to evaluate the structure and function of the organ. Unlike X-rays and other forms of cardiac testing, echocardiograms do not involve any radiation. There are several types of echocardiography tests, however, the most common test is the transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). A stress echocardiogram is another type of test, which can identify heart problems that only occur during physical activity.
Why is an echocardiogram performed?
An echocardiogram allows our doctors to examine the size of the heart, the condition of the heart valves, and evaluate the efficiency of the heart’s pumping strength. The procedure may be performed by a NYC cardiologist if you:
- Have a heart murmur
- Experienced a heart attack
- Are experiencing heart palpitations
- Are experiencing shortness of breath
- Are experiencing unexplained chest pains
- Had rheumatic fever
- Have a congenital heart defect
What can an echocardiogram detect?
Echocardiograms are used to detect the following conditions:
- Regurgitation (blood leaking backward through the heart valves)
- Stenosis (narrowing of the heart valves)
- Pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart)
- Congestive heart failure
- Aneurysms
- Blood clots
- Cardiomyopathy (enlargement or thickening of the heart)
- Abnormal holes between the heart chambers
- Valvular heart disease
- Atherosclerosis
What does an echocardiogram involve?
Echocardiography testing is painless and noninvasive to perform. During a transthoracic echocardiogram, a transducer with a gel lubricant will be pressed on your chest and moved around carefully on the surface of your skin. The transducer records the sound wave echoes from your heart while a computer converts them into moving images on a monitor. In some cases, the cardiologist may need to use a small amount of contrast agent in order to have your heart’s structures show up more clearly. The contrast agent will be administered through an IV.
If you have any symptoms that may warrant an echocardiogram, the first step is scheduling a consultation with our board-certified cardiologist at Park Avenue Medical Professionals. Our practice is known for our compassionate care and personalized approach. Schedule an appointment today by contacting our office at 212.427.2000. You can also make an appointment by filling out this form.
