Know About the Procedure and Results of Echocardiography Drummond
The echocardiography Drummond is a clear framework for cardiac movement. During an echo test, ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) from a handheld device placed on your chest provides images of heart valves and chambers. It assists the sonographer in monitoring heart pump action. Echo is often combined with Doppler ultrasound and Doppler color to check blood flow to the heart valves.
An electrocardiogram (EKG, ECG) is a standard heart-tracking procedure. Electrodes are generally placed on the chest wall while information about the heart’s electrical activity is collected. In addition to the rate and rhythm of the heartbeat, EKG can provide indirect evidence of blood flow within the coronary arteries to the heart muscle and the thickness of the heart muscle.
Echocardiography Key Features
What are the essential aspects of echocardiography?
Echocardiography (echo) is a painless test that uses sound waves to create images of your heart.
This test gives your doctor information about your heart size and shape and how well your heart valves work. In addition, an echo type called Doppler ultrasound shows how well blood flows through the chambers and valves of your heart.
Your doctor may recommend an echo if you have symptoms and signs of heart problems. Diagnosis can be used to confirm a diagnosis, determine the nature of an existing situation, or help direct treatment.
There are several types of echo. Transthoracic and stress echo are common types of tests. Transesophageal echo (TEE) is used when routine tests do not produce precise results. The fetal echo is used to view the heart of an unborn child. A three-dimensional (3D) echo may help diagnose heart problems in children or plan and monitor heart valve surgery.
The echo is done in a doctor’s office or a hospital. Testing usually takes an hour to complete. A typical echo does not require any special adjustments or tracing. If you have TEE, you should usually not eat or drink for 8 hours before the test.
During a standard echo, your doctor will move a wand-like device called a transducer to your chest to get pictures of your heart. During TEE, a transducer will be placed down your throat to get a better view of your heart.
The cardiologist will review the results of your echo.
You can usually return to your routine after having an echo. If you have a TEE, you may be checked for a few hours at the doctor’s office or hospital after the test.
Transthoracic and fetal echo are safe. If you have a TEE, some risks are associated with a given medication to help you relax. Rarely a tube used in TEE can cause minor throat damage. The dangers of echo stress are related to exercise or medication to raise your heart rate. Serious problems arising from stress echo are rare.
You will not feel discomfort during the echocardiography Drummond test. You may feel a rash on your skin from the gel on the transducer, as well as a small amount of transducer pressure on your chest. The appointment will take approximately 40 minutes. After the test, you can either dress up and go home or go to some of your scheduled appointments.
How Do You Get Your Test Results?
After the cardiologist has reviewed your test, the results will be included in your electronic medical record. Your doctor will access the results and discuss them with you.