Echocardiograms
Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics in Fremont
Echocardiograms are one of the procedures used by our cardiology program
at the Washington Township Medical Foundation. Echocardiograms—or
“cardiac ultrasounds”—are useful
tests because they are safe and noninvasive. Essentially, echocardiograms allow
your doctor to take a “picture” of your heart using sound
waves or “ultrasound”, and to see your heart’s chambers
as blood is pumped and moved through. Echocardiograms allow your doctor
to determine the state of your heart chambers / valves and pumping function
through the implementation of sound wave technology.
An echocardiogram may be used to:
- Evaluate your heart’s structure and function
- Determine if certain types of heart disease are present
- Ascertain the effectiveness of certain treatments / medications
How Does an Echocardiogram Work?
As the ultrasound transducer is passed over your chest, back, and / or
belly, echo sound waves create an image on the equipment monitor, providing
helpful information about your heart for your cardiologist to analyze.
The transducer emits ultrasonic sound waves that are too high a frequency
to be heard by the human ear. Our staff knows how to position the transducer
strategically in order to create a clear image. The sound waves go through
the skin and tissue and “echo” off of the structures of your
heart, creating a moving picture on the monitor. Water-soluble gel is
spread on your skin in order to conduct the sound waves. This procedure
is completely safe and painless. In some cases, your doctor may insert
an intravenous line in order to enhance the images by running tiny gas bubbles.
Contact Washington Township Medical Foundation to learn more about our
cardiology department and the diagnostics used by our staff. We look forward to serving you!