Echocardiography (ECHO) Service
The echocardiography or heart ultrasound is a crucial procedure for those suspected of having heart disease symptoms or monitoring treatment results after heart surgery. Importantly, it is a simple examination that takes a little while. Early detection saves lives.
If you have any of these symptoms, such as palpitations, fatigue, chest pain, rapid breathing, sweating even when resting, Pain or discomfort in the left arm or both arms – these signs indicate a risk of heart disease. We have a simple process that doesn’t require much preparation and takes little time, which is an echocardiogram or a high-frequency heart examination. It will help doctors assess symptoms related to heart disease, as well as monitor treatment results after heart surgery. Prompt action leads to better treatment outcomes.
What is an Echocardiogram (ECHO)?
An echocardiogram (ECHO) is a heart examination using ultrasound waves called an Echocardiogram or Echocardiography. Ultrasound scans are safe, high-frequency ultrasound waves from a transducer to the heart’s position, which then reflects the signal back to be processed into 2D or 3D images to assess the heart’s performance. The test results will be displayed on a monitor, showing the shape and size of the heart.
And the result of echocardiogram include the physical characteristics and size of the heart muscle, heart valves, pericardium, hemodynamics of blood circulation in various heart chambers, movement of the heart walls, as well as the functioning of all heart valves, and the heart’s performance during contraction and relaxation (LV systolic and diastolic function).
Steps of an Echocardiogram (ECHO)?
1.Attach equipment to measure the heart’s electrical waves and monitor the heart rate on the chest.
2.The doctor will apply gel to the chest area and use a transducer to rub the gel-applied area to send ultrasound inside. The sound waves will pass through various organs and reflect back within the examined position. The monitor will process the sound waves and display them as images.
3.The examination takes about 30-45 minutes or no more than 1 hour.
Who should get an Echocardiogram (ECHO)?
Firstly, it must be understood that an Echo is considered a detailed heart examination and is not included in the list of general basic health checks. Therefore, an Echo examination is used to help doctors diagnose the cause of the disease, and those who should be examined by this method include:
Those with heart failure or easily fatigued, unable to lie flat due to shortness of breath, swelling in both legs.
– Those with abnormal heartbeats.
– Those with abnormally low heart contraction.
– Those found to have heart abnormalities, such as having a murmur or suspected of having an enlarged heart.
– Those with chest pain or tightness, which the doctor diagnoses may be caused by myocardial ischemia.
– Those with abnormal heart sounds, which the doctor diagnoses may be due to heart valve abnormalities.
– Those with congenital heart defects, including those who have undergone surgery but still have disease symptoms.
– Those with a family history of genetically transmitted heart disease or a history of sudden cardiac death in the family, such as Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
– Those who have undergone heart valve replacement surgery for follow-up.
Benefits of an Echocardiogram (ECHO)
The benefits of an echocardiogram (ECHO) allow for the analysis of various heart diseases, such as :
– Myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, and can also indicate the location of the dead myocardial part, as well as assess the heart’s contraction and relaxation function.
– Pericardial diseases such as chronic pericarditis, pericardial effusion.
– Congenital heart defects such as atrial septal defect or congenital heart valve abnormalities.
– All types of heart valve diseases, and the examination can also be used to help grade the severity of the disease.
In addition, an ECHO can be performed in conjunction with other examination methods, whether it be an electrocardiogram, cardiac CT scan, or cardiac catheterization, for a more accurate diagnosis of heart disease.
How to prepare before getting an Echocardiogram (ECHO)
An echocardiogram (ECHO) can eat or drink anything before. In the case of regular medication, it may be necessary to inform the doctor or staff in advance as it may affect the examination and the heart’s function. It is recommended to wear clothing that can easily expose the chest area for convenience during the examination.
If you fall into one of the at-risk groups that you have abnormal symptoms related to heart function and wish to be examined by a high-frequency heart examination or echocardiogram, Longa Heart Health Medical Center, a non-surgical treatment center for blood vessels and heart diseases, is pleased to provide services and facilitate other services related to heart health as well. For more information, please contact +6699 986 8443.