Echocardiogram

Advanced Cardiac Diagnostics in Fremont

Echocardiograms are one of the procedures used by our cardiology program at the Washington Health Medical Group. 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 Health Medical Group to learn more about our cardiology department and the diagnostics used by our staff. We look forward to serving you!