Echocardiogram

Shortness of breath and swelling in your legs may be signs that you’re in heart failure. To assess the health of your heart and diagnose your condition, Thaslim Kassim, MD, FACC, and the team at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona in Tempe, Arizona, offer echocardiograms, which are painless tests they perform in-office. To learn more about echocardiograms or schedule an evaluation, call the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona or request an appointment online today. 

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or a cardiac ultrasound, is a painless diagnostic evaluation that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. It can illustrate the size and shape of your heart muscle and also demonstrate how well your heart’s valves and chambers are working.

An echocardiogram can help Dr. Kassim see areas of your heart muscle that don’t contract well. Echocardiograms can also be used to detect blood clots, fluid build-up, and problems with your aorta.  

An echocardiogram may be used to diagnose:

• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Abnormal heart valves
• Atherosclerosis
• Coronary heart disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Inflammation or infection

An accurate diagnosis helps Dr. Kassim create the most effective treatment plan for you and your needs.

What happens during an echocardiogram?

To conduct an echocardiogram, the sonographer at the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona places three small, flat electrodes at various points on your chest.

The electrodes are connected to an electrocardiograph (EKG) monitor that registers your heart’s electrical activity over the course of the exam.

After you lie down on your side, your specialist moves a device called a transducer on various areas of your chest and abdomen.

The wand’s tip is coated with a small amount of skin-safe gel to help generate clearer pictures. Your specialist may ask you to change positions a few times during the exam to help them get a complete range of images covering different areas of your heart.

Aside from the slight pressure you may feel as the transducer passes over parts of your body, an echocardiogram is a relatively comfortable procedure.

What is a stress echocardiogram?

Some heart problems, such as coronary heart disease, are easier to diagnose when your heart is working harder than usual and your heart rate is elevated.

During a standard stress test, you pedal a stationary bike or walk on a treadmill to elevate your heart rate.

If you have a health condition that precludes you from exercising during a stress test, you may receive a medication that elevates your heart rate temporarily. This type of test is also known as a pharmacological stress test.

A stress echocardiogram captures moving images of your heart when it’s working harder than it typically would. It’s one of the best ways to see how your heart’s chambers and valves function under stress and whether you have any areas of weak or dead heart muscle tissue that no longer contract properly.

How do I prepare for an echocardiogram?

If you’re scheduled to have a standard echocardiogram without a stress test, you’ll likely be able to eat and drink as you usually would in the hours leading up to your appointment.

If you’re scheduled to undergo a stress echocardiogram, however, you may need to avoid caffeine for 24 hours and fast for a short time beforehand. Dr. Kassim and his team will give you a complete list of instructions prior to your echocardiogram to help ensure accurate results. 

To learn more about cardiovascular diagnostic testing, call the Cardiovascular Clinic of Arizona or request an appointment online today.