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McKesson Clinical Reference Systems: Women's Health Advisor 2002.2
Spanish version
Echocardiogram
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a painless procedure that uses sound
waves and a computer to look at your beating heart. A
device called a transducer sends high-frequency sound waves
into your chest. The sound waves bounce (echo) off your
heart. A computer uses the echoes to create a moving
picture of the heart.
Usually the transducer is placed on your chest. If your
health care provider orders a transesophageal
echocardiogram, a very small transducer on the end of a tube
will be passed down your throat.
When is it used?
An echocardiogram is used to help diagnose heart problems.
It can show the size of the heart's chambers, the thickness
of the chamber walls, how the chambers and heart valves are
working, if there is fluid collecting around the heart, and
how efficiently the heart is pumping.
The echocardiogram may show signs of:
- previous heart attacks
- previous rheumatic fever
- heart problems you were born with
- tumors
- infections or other problems of the heart valves.
An echocardiogram is helpful for following your progress if
you have had surgery to replace a heart valve.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
For an echocardiogram using a transducer on your chest, no
preparation is necessary.
What happens during the procedure?
This simple test takes about 30 minutes. You will lie down
on an exam table. A technologist will place some gel or
lotion and a transducer on your chest. The transducer beams
high-frequency sound waves at your heart. This information
is returned, or echoed, to the transducer and a computer
converts the echoes into a picture. The technologist moves
the transducer to several places on your chest until the
picture is complete. You may be able to watch the picture
while it is being recorded on videotape.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) might be done at the same time.
An ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart.
What happens after the procedure?
After the procedure, you can go home and go back to your
normal activities.
Your health care provider will review the information and let
you know what the picture shows.
What are the benefits?
This procedure does not cure a heart problem, but it helps
your health care provider diagnose heart problems you might
have. It can help your provider plan your treatment.
What are the risks and limitations of this procedure?
There is no risk with an echocardiogram that uses a
transducer on your chest.
Sound waves quickly lose their ability to penetrate with
increasing distance. If you are very overweight or have a
serious lung disease, such as emphysema, it may be hard to
get good images of your heart. In this case, you may need a
transesophageal echocardiogram or another procedure.
When should I call my health care provider?
Call your health care provider during office hours if:
- You have questions about the procedure or its result.
- You want to make another appointment.
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