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The Curious Bag
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An echocardiogram is a medical test that uses sounds waves to create a moving image of a patient's heart. Echocardiography is useful in diagnosing and treating a variety of heart problems and conditions.
How Echocardiography Works
In a standard echocardiogram, a small device called a transducer is positioned against your chest to send sound waves toward your heart. These waves are recorded to create a "picture" of your heart.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram
If a standard echocardiogram does not produce a clear image of your heart, you can have a transesophageal echocardiogram, in which the transducer is inserted down your throat and into your esophagus before sending sound waves toward your heart.
Advantages
An echocardiogram can provide information on the size of your heart, its pumping strength and whether your heart has damage or defects. Echocardiography poses little risk to the patient.
Acceptable Candidates
Echocardiography can be used on anyone suspected of having heart problems, including infants and even unborn fetuses.
What to Expect
For a standard echocardiogram, the technician will attach electrodes to your chest and then apply some gel before beginning to use the transducer. The transducer will exert some pressure on your skin, but the procedure should not be painful.
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