Echocardiogram

Candidates for echocardiography include individuals showing symptoms of heart disease, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or those who have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

Typically, no special preparation is required for an echocardiogram. However, patients may be advised not to consume food before the procedure, particularly if it involves anesthesia.

During the procedure, the patient lies on their back, and the physician or technician applies gel to the chest and uses a transducer to guide ultrasound waves through the heart. These waves create images of the heart on a monitor, allowing the physician to assess the heart's structure and function.

Echocardiography enables physicians to assess the health of the heart, identify structural changes or abnormalities in the heart valves, and evaluate the strength and efficiency of heart contractions. The results are used to make a diagnosis and plan further treatment.

Echocardiography is generally a safe procedure. There are no specific precautions that the patient needs to take after the procedure unless the physician recommends otherwise. It is essential to follow the physician's instructions and regularly monitor the heart condition, especially if there is diagnosed heart disease or risk factors.