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An Echo is a scan that uses ultrasound (sound waves) to produce pictures of the heart this gives information about how well the heart pumps and whether your heart valves are working properly. In addition, a contrast agent is injected which improves the quality of the images that are being recorded. Why do I need this test?
- When An Echocardiogram Is Used
- How An Echocardiogram Is Carried Out
- What Type of Echocardiogram Will I have?
- Getting Your Results
- Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects?
An echocardiogram can help diagnose and monitor certain heart conditions. It checks the structure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels, analysing how blood flows through them, and assessing the pumping chambers of the heart. An echocardiogram can help detect: 1. damage from a heart attack– where the supply of blood to the heart was suddenly b...
There are several different ways an echocardiogram can be carried out, but most people will have what’s known as a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This procedure is outlined below. You won’t usually need to do anything to prepare for the test, unless you’re having a transoesophageal echocardiogram.
The type of echocardiogram you’ll have depends on the heart condition being assessed and how detailed the images need to be. For example, a stress echocardiogram may be recommended if your heart problem is triggered by physical activity. The more detailed images produced by a TOE may be more useful in helping plan heart surgery.
In some cases, it may be possible for the person carrying out the scan to discuss the results with you soon after it’s finished. However, the images from the scan will usually need to be analysed before the results are sent to the doctor who requested the test. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you during your next appointment.
A standard echocardiogram is a simple, painless and safe procedure. There are no side effects from the scan, although the lubricating gel may feel cold and you may experience some minor discomfort when the electrodes are removed from your skin at the end of the test. Unlike some other tests and scans, such as X-rays and computerised tomography (CT)...
During a contrast echo, a contrast agent, which is a small amount of dye containing bubbles, is used to improve the quality of the images being recorded. Why is it being done? If your doctor has decided that you need an echocardiogram, but the picture quality is not very clear, a contrast agent can be used to help improve the images.
Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram, also known as an echo, is a scan of the heart. It is similar to ultrasound scanning used in pregnancy because it uses sound waves to build up a picture of your heart. An echo is not the same as an electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG, which is a simple and useful test that records the rhythm, rate and ...
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It is used to gain information about the heart muscles, chambers of the heart and structures within the heart such as the valves. The test is safe and painless. A contrast echocardiogram uses imaging ultrasound combined with an injection of specialist ultrasound enhancing agent to improve the quality of the images that are recorded.
Having a contrast echocardiogram. An echocardiogram or ‘echo’ is a scan that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce pictures of your heart. You may have already had a standard echocardiogram. You may have been asked to have this test if a standard echocardiogram did not show very clear pictures of your heart.
People also ask
What is a contrast echocardiogram (contrast Echo)?
Why do I need a contrast echocardiogram?
What is an echocardiogram & how does it work?
How does a contrast echo work?
What is a standard echocardiogram?
Is an echo the same as an electrocardiogram?
Feb 29, 2024 · Transthoracic echocardiogram. A transthoracic echocardiogram usually takes around 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll need to undress to your waist and put on a hospital gown that opens at the front. When you’re in the procedure room, you’ll lie on your left-hand side on the bed, with your left arm behind your head.
