ECHOCARDIOGRAMS
Echocardiograms are painless diagnostic procedures which use high frequency sound
waves (ultrasound) to take moving pictures of the heart. It is possible to measure the
size of the various chambers and to study the appearance and motions of the heart
valves.
The echocardiography technician directs sound waves towards the heart from a small
hand-held device. Objects, such as the heart walls and valves, reflect part of the sound
waves back to the transducer. These reflections produce pictures of the heart on a
television-like screen, which are recorded to DVD.
Measurements taken from these pictures are helpful in determining how well your heart
is working. Dr Flood can see whether or not there are any abnormalities present.
Echocardiography can be used by Dr Flood to determine if there are any heart defects,
valve abnormalities or abnormalities of the pumping chambers.
Preparing for the Procedure – What do you need to do?
You may eat and go about your normal activities unless otherwise informed. You will
need to wear comfortable clothing. You should dress in an outfit which allows you to
undress to the waist. You will be required to remove your top, but you wlll be given a
surgical gown to wear throughout the procedure.
Echocardiography - What happens?
The echocardiographic examination is performed and recorded by a highly trained
Echocardiographer. Dr Flood will read the results.
It may take up to an hour for the examination. A ‘transducer’ will be placed directly on
the chest wall or upper abdomen for the examination. You will be offered a gown or a
sheet to keep you warm. This also minimizes the area on the chest that must be
exposed at any one time for the comfort of the patient.
During the test, small adhesive patches are used to attach small wires to the chest. To
improve the quality of the picture, an odourless and water-soluble "gel" is applied to
the skin where the transducer will be placed. This may feel cool and a bit moist, but the "gel" is easily removed at the end of the examination. Occasionally, more than one
transducer may be applied to the chest and also heart sounds or pulses may be
recorded along with the echocardiogram.
Patients are asked to lie on an examination table. To allow for better pictures, patents
are frequently asked to change position from lying flat to lying on the left side during
the test. Patients may also be asked to hold their breath for intervals during the
procedure.
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Possible Complications And Risk
There are no known harmful or proven adverse effects from cardiac ultrasound.
During the procedure it is normal to feel a slight pressure and/or vibration from the
transducer, but this is not painful. During the examination the room lights may be
dimmed to allow the technician to better see the screen.
When Will I Know What the Results of the Test Are?
Although the Echocardiographer performing this test may explain what is being seen on
the screen, it is essential to obtain precise measurements from the paper and video
recordings. Dr Flood will confer with you in regards to the findings of these
measurements after he has had time to analyse the data.
If you have had previous echocardiograms, Dr Flood will compare the new ones with
older ones, cross-referencing with other data. These results will be typed out and sent
to your referring Practitioner and Dr Flood will ask you to return for a short revisit to
the rooms to discuss the findings and future care options.
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