Echo... Echo... Echocardiogram
What is often considered a routine test can also be one of the most important tools in our arsenal for maintaining good health. The heart is arguably the most important organ in our body, and we shouldn’t need to worry about whether or not everything is working correctly. An Echocardiogram makes sure you know exactly how healthy your heart is.
An echocardiogram, also known as an echo, is a common test that uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to create a moving picture of the heart while it is beating. [1] It may be part of a routine examination, or your doctor may recommend it if you have the following symptoms, which may suggest cardiac disease:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Fainting
Unusual fatigue
A strong heart murmur or a change in a heart murmur
According to Yale Medicine, “An echo will show whether the four heart valves are opening and closing properly as the heart pumps to direct adequate blood flow in the right direction. It can also be used to evaluate whether there is damage to heart muscle and weakened pumping function from a heart attack.” [2]
The test helps your health care team find out:
The size and shape of your heart, and the size, thickness, and movement of your heart’s walls.
How your heart moves during heartbeats.
The heart’s pumping strength.
If the heart valves are working correctly.
If blood is leaking backwards through your heart valves (regurgitation).
If the heart valves are too narrow (stenosis).
If a tumor or infectious growth is around your heart valves.
Types of echos:
Transthoracic echocardiogram (most common) This is the standard type of echocardiogram. It takes pictures of the heart from outside the body. [3]
Stress echocardiography A stress echocardiogram is done the same way as a standard transthoracic echocardiogram except the images are taken before and after exercise. Some heart problems occur only during physical activity. [3]
Transesophageal echocardiography This type of echocardiogram provides more-detailed images of the heart and heart valves. Unlike a standard echocardiogram, this test takes pictures from inside the body. [3]
Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography A 3D echocardiogram is available in some medical centers and hospitals. It's often done to get more details about the lower left heart chamber. This chamber is the heart's main pumping area. [3]
Example of Echocardiogram Imaging
Get your echocardiogram today.
These tests are painless and have no side effects or long-term health risks. Getting an echo can be done just in case. Making sure your body is running its best is a priority and preventive testing is the first step.
[1] Echocardiogram (Echo) | American Heart Association
[2] Echocardiogram > Fact Sheets > Yale Medicine
[3] Echocardiogram - Mayo Clinic
