![]() Having some background knowledge of the purpose of an echocardiogram, how the test works, and what to look for will help you better understand and interpret echocardiogram results! Defects include openings between chambers, passages between blood vessels, and fetal heart defects. The doctor will also use the overall image of the heart to look for structural defects. Your echo results will also tell if the valves of your heart are opening and closing properly. This may indicate a prior heart attack or heart disease. The heart’s walls won’t pump properly if the walls contract too little or too much. Cardiac output is the volume of blood pumped per minute, with the adult average being 4.8 to 6.5 liters. Left ventricular ejection fraction measures the percentage is blood pushed from the heart per beat. They may indicate high blood pressure and weak or damaged valves.Īn echocardiogram can also measure if your heart is pumping enough blood through your body. Walls thicker than 1.5cm are considered abnormal. For example, the test can show if the heart is enlarged or has thickened walls. The resulting image of an echocardiogram can show a big picture image of heart health, function, and strength. Echo Results and The Functions of The Heart It can also detect fluid around the heart, clotting, or thickening of the heart tissue.Īn echo test can also monitor congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension. Heart Conditionsĭoctors recommend echocardiograms to diagnose heart conditions.Īn echocardiogram reading can help a doctor evaluate if you have a heart murmur, valve problems, or atrial fibrillation. This is to monitor your heart’s response to physical activity. Last, a stress echocardiogram occurs during exercise on a treadmill or bike. This helps to view the heart from a different angle. It uses a transducer moved across your chest to produce the heart image.Ī transesophageal echo test is performed with a tube transducer in your throat. There are three main types of echocardiogram tests that a doctor may perform.Ī transthoracic echocardiogram is noninvasive. The test is useful for diagnosing and monitoring heart problems and creating treatment plans. The test monitors ultrasound, high-frequency sound waves, which are projected through the chest and bounce back to create an image of your heart. What Is An Echocardiogram?ĭuring an echocardiogram, a doctor will generate a real-time image of the heart. Read on for a quick echocardiogram guide to help you understand echocardiogram results. In fact, a sonographer in a hospital setting performs an average of 6 echo tests per day. Maybe you’re a medical professional that wants to brush up on some cardiology foundations.Įchocardiograms are extremely common procedures. Check out this guide to help you pick up the basics!ĭo you or a family member have an echocardiogram scheduled in the near future? Having the knowledge and ability to understand echocardiogram results is an invaluable skill.
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