Echocardiogram Specialist

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound imaging test that evaluates the structure and function of your heart, looking for signs of disease. Heart, Artery, and Vein Center in Fresno and Madera, California, is a full-service cardiovascular disease practice that offers complete care for diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. Sanjay Srivatsa, MD, and the team may recommend an echocardiogram to confirm or rule out heart disease. To find out more about the echocardiogram, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram (echo) is a diagnostic test that uses sound wave technology to create moving images of your heart. 

The team at Heart, Artery, and Vein Center performs an echo to evaluate the structure and function of your heart, including the chambers and valves, to see how well your heart pumps. They may also perform a Doppler ultrasound to see how blood moves through the heart. 

Heart, Artery, and Vein Center may recommend an echocardiogram to determine whether your chest pain is due to a heart-related problem such as coronary artery disease (CAD) or valvular heart disease.

What are the types of echocardiograms?

There are several types of echocardiograms. The type of echo you need depends on symptoms, medical history, and heart concerns.

Types of echocardiograms include:

Transthoracic echocardiogram

The transthoracic echocardiogram is the traditional echo test. During this procedure, your technician places the ultrasound wand on your chest to get moving pictures of your heart.

Stress echocardiogram

During a stress echocardiogram, they combine an echocardiogram with a stress test to see how well your heart functions during exertion. The team may have you walk on a treadmill or use medication to increase your heart rate.

They perform an echocardiogram before and after the stress portion of your test.

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

During a TEE, your technician places a thin, flexible tube into your mouth and guides it into your esophagus, taking ultrasound images from inside your body. The TEE creates more detailed images of your heart. The team administers a sedative during the TEE to minimize pain and anxiety.

What happens during an echocardiogram?

The Heart, Artery, and Vein Center team reviews the details of your echocardiogram at your consultation, so you know what to expect. The test may take 40 to 90 minutes.

First, your technician attaches electrodes to your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity on an electrocardiogram (EKG). Then, they use the ultrasound wand to create images of your heart.

Heart, Artery, and Vein Center reviews the images and video from your echocardiogram and schedules a follow-up appointment to discuss results and treatment options.

To find out more about the echocardiogram at Heart, Artery, and Vein Center, call the office or book an appointment online today.