Echocardiogram
What is Echocardiogram?
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. Echo is often combined with dopper ultrasound to evaluate blood flow across the heart’s valves, to detect any structural defects, and multiple cardiac functions.
Why is an echocardiogram performed?
The test is used to:
- Assess the overall function of your heart.
- Determine the presence of many types of heart disease, such as valve disease, myocardial disease, pericardial disease, infective endocarditis, cardiac masses and congenital heart disease Follow the progress of valve disease over time.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your medical or surgical treatments.
How do I prepare for an echocardiogram?
If you are diabetic or on regular medication, please inform us when scheduling your appointment.
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing that you can easily change out of, if necessary. We also advise that you wear a minimal amount of jewelry as you may be required to remove them. Your items will be securely locked for the duration of your exam.
What to expect?
Upon arriving at Jahmale, you will be greeted by our friendly and knowledgeable staff that will register and help you get ready for your exam. Our dedicated Radiologist will walk you through the procedure, answer any questions you may have and ask you to sign a consent form. You should feel no major discomfort during the test. You may feel a coolness on your skin from the gel on the transducer, and a slight pressure of the transducer on your chest.
How long does the test take?
On average, the examination will take about 40 minutes.
When will I get my results?
In most cases, your results may be available within 30 minutes after the procedure. If you are a referral patient, you will be asked to wait for your results and advised to discuss the findings with your doctor, who will offer you detailed information and next steps including treatment. Referring doctors may provide Jahmale with an email address for result delivery. Please note that Jahmale will follow the delivery preference of your doctor considering they are your primary health care provider and have the best knowledge of your medical history.
However, echocardiogram results for Jahmale patients will be sent directly to your doctor to be discussed with you during your follow-up visit.
