What is a heart ultrasound used for?
What is a heart ultrasound used for?
A heart ultrasound is a useful tool to evaluate the structure and function of the heart and associated vessels. It is a fast, easy and painless evaluation that uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart.
Why would a doctor order an ultrasound of the heart?
Heart Ultrasound can be very helpful to: Measure the size and thickness of the heart and its chambers. Assess the motion of the chamber walls and the extent of damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack. Assess how different parts of the heart are functioning in patients with chronic heart disease.
What’s the difference between an echocardiogram and a heart ultrasound?
An echocardiogram (echo) is a graphic outline of the heart’s movement. During an echo test, ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) from a hand-held wand placed on your chest provides pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers and helps the sonographer evaluate the pumping action of the heart.
Why do I need a transthoracic echocardiogram?
Getting a transthoracic echocardiogram, or TTE, gives your doctor a good view of your overall heart health including seeing how your heart beats and checking for any heart issues.
Why would a cardiologist order an echocardiogram?
Why did my doctor order an echocardiogram? Doctors might want to see an echocardiogram to investigate signs or symptoms of heart diseases, like shortness of breath, chest discomfort or swelling in the legs. They might also order an echocardiogram if something abnormal, like a heart murmur, is detected during an exam.
What is the treatment for abnormal echocardiogram?
In some cases, your lungs, ribs, or body tissue may prevent the sound waves and echoes from providing a clear picture of heart function. If this is a problem, the health care provider may inject a small amount of liquid (contrast) through an IV to better see the inside of the heart.
Which is better ECG or echo?
Echocardiograms also provide highly accurate information on heart valve function. They can be used to identify leaky or tight heart valves. While the EKG can provide clues to many of these diagnoses, the echocardiogram is considered much more accurate for heart structure and function.
