Echocardiogram

What is an Echocardiogram?
An Echocardiogram (ECHO) is a special non-invasive office ultrasound examination that determines the health of the heart by evaluating both its anatomy and function.

Who should have an Echocardiogram?
Individuals of any age who have any of the following:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Heart murmur or other abnormal heart examination finding
• Mitral valve prolapse (MVP)
• Irregular heart rhythm or palpitations
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Ankle swelling
• Dizziness or fainting
• History of diet pill use
• History of congenital heart defects

What information does Echocardiography provide?
An ECHO examination of the heart will measure the following:

The four heart chambers that receive circulating blood (atriums) and then pump the blood (ventricles) to the lungs and body. Both the size of the chambers and the thickness of the chamber walls are measured.  (Note: High blood pressure can cause wall thickening and subsequent weakening of the heart muscle.)

• Pumping function of the heart muscle, while in motion.
• Heart valve structure including prolapse (MVP) or leaking.
• Pressure within the heart and lungs in patients with a history of diet pill use.
• Detects blood clots, masses or infections of the heart.
• Detects inflammation or fluid accumulation around the heart.