Are you experiencing an irregular heartbeat or unexplained chest pain? An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that examines the heart’s structure and function in real-time. It helps diagnose conditions like heart murmurs, congestive heart failure, or valve disorders. Our cardiovascular clinic offers echocardiograms to provide clear insights for your treatment plan. Heart screenings in Edinburg, Texas, are available as part of our services, with results interpreted by experienced heart doctors to ensure accurate diagnoses.
Key Service Highlight
Echocardiograms provide detailed images of your heart to support precise diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Reasons to Undergo an Echocardiogram
Here are key ways an echocardiogram benefits your cardiac evaluation:
- Detects structural abnormalities such as valve disorders or heart murmurs
- Assesses the severity of congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease
- Evaluates heart function for those with chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Supports pre-surgical assessments and treatment planning
- Provides real-time data to guide your heart doctor’s recommendations
When an Echocardiogram Is Recommended
Doctors recommend an echocardiogram when symptoms suggest a heart problem that needs further examination. Conditions such as cardiomyopathy, valve disorders, and pericardial disease often require this test. It can detect issues that standard physical exams or basic imaging might miss. The test is commonly ordered after abnormal EKG results or persistent chest discomfort. With clear results, treatment can be adjusted to fit the patient’s specific cardiovascular needs.
Why Cardiologists Rely on Echocardiograms
Cardiologists trust echocardiograms for their accuracy in visualizing the heart’s mechanics. The test helps assess ejection fraction, which indicates how well the heart pumps blood. It’s essential for managing long-term conditions such as heart failure or valve disease. Echocardiography is used to monitor existing heart conditions and guide medication or procedural interventions. With expert interpretation, this tool contributes to more precise and effective care.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
This FAQ section covers common questions about echocardiograms to help provide clarity on what to expect from this heart imaging test.
What can an echocardiogram detect in the heart?
An echocardiogram can detect heart valve problems, chamber enlargement, fluid around the heart, and abnormal heart motion or thickness.
How long does an echocardiogram usually take?
A typical echocardiogram takes between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the type of imaging required and the patient’s condition.
Is an echocardiogram painful or risky?
The test is painless and safe, using ultrasound waves without radiation exposure or injections for standard procedures.
What are the different types of echocardiograms?
Common types include transthoracic, transesophageal, stress echocardiograms, and Doppler echocardiography, each offering different perspectives and detail levels.
Can an echocardiogram show blocked arteries?
While not a primary tool for detecting blockages, echocardiograms can reveal signs of reduced blood flow or complications from blocked arteries.
How often should echocardiograms be repeated?
Frequency depends on the individual’s heart condition and physician recommendations; some chronic conditions require routine monitoring.
Will a doctor explain the echocardiogram results?
Results are interpreted by cardiologists who use the findings to guide further diagnosis or treatment options for the patient.
Schedule Your Heart Consultation
Contact us to schedule your consultation with our cardiovascular specialists and see how advanced diagnostic testing and specialized treatment options can address your heart or vein concerns efficiently and effectively.
