What is an abnormal echocardiogram?

What is an abnormal echocardiogram?

An abnormal finding in the heart’s size or structure may include: Blood clot(s) in the heart. Blood clots in one of the chambers of heart are often due to atrial fibrillation. One or more heart valves are not opening or closing properly. This might be a sign of heart valve disease, which can damage the heart muscle.

What is difference between ECG and echo?

The echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that provides moving pictures and provides information on the structure and function of the heart. The EKG is a heart tracing that mainly provides information on the rhythm of the heart. Both tests are often used in conjunction and are complimentary to each other.

How serious is an echocardiogram?

A standard echocardiogram is painless, safe, and does not expose you to radiation. If the test doesn’t show enough images of your heart, though, your doctor might order another procedure, called a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).

Why would a doctor order an echocardiogram?

Your doctor may suggest an echocardiogram to: Check for problems with the valves or chambers of your heart. Check if heart problems are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain. Detect congenital heart defects before birth (fetal echocardiogram)

How long does an echo take?

The test will take about 40 minutes. After the test, you can get dressed and go about your daily activities. Your doctor will discuss the test results with you.

How do they do an echocardiogram on a woman?

During the echo test, you’ll be asked to put on a hospital gown. You’ll lie on an exam table, and a sonographer or ultrasound tech will put some gel on the end of an ultrasound wand and move it along your chest. The gel might be a little cold, but otherwise you should not feel any major discomfort during the test.

Is echo test painful?

You should feel no major discomfort during the test, although you may feel coolness from the gel on the transducer and a slight pressure of the transducer on your chest.

How long does it take to do an echo stress test?

The test takes from 30-60 minutes. Prior to exercising, an echocardiogram is done by applying colorless gel to the chest and placing the echo transducer on top of it. You will also wear a blood pressure cuff to allow blood pressure monitoring.

What does an echo stress test reveal?

Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to show how well your heart muscle is working to pump blood to your body. It is most often used to detect a decrease in blood flow to the heart from narrowing in the coronary arteries.