procedure for echocardiagram

what is the procedure for an echocardiagram and what does it show?

[curmudgen]

Simply the attachment of 10 wires to your chest and legs and the ECG records the electrical activity of the heart.  A comprehensive description can be found on web sites like wikipedia. The patterns will record and show how well the signals are being transmitted and distributed throughout your heart during each heart beat.

[is_something_wrong]

That's an electrocardiogram, ECG, Curmudgen ;)

Echo procedure is:

1) Attachment of 2 channel ECG leads to track heart rhythm.
2) Apply some gel on the chest to improve signal strength.
3) Using echo probe to see:
- Wall thickness, chamber dimensions, valve structure
- Measuring pumping function (ejection fraction and stroke volume)
- Look for structural heart disease, such as old heart attacks and local wall motion abnormalities.
4) Using Doppler technique to check blood streams and valve leaks (makes a somewhat ugly/funny sound, like flushing the toilet with every heatbeat)
5) Determining BP in the heart and in the pulmonal artery.
6) The cardiologist will usually check the aorta dimensions, and often short ultrasound of liver and/or carotid arteries as well if he finds it necessary.

[tom_h]

I agree with the above comments.  Additionally, they may make you lay on your side with your arm outstretched above your head, and will probe (sometimes with significant pressure) your intercostals in order to capture different angle views of the heart.  For the most part the procedure, your role is passive, and it's pain-free.

A stress echocardiogram will require you to walk/run on a treadmill until failure where you will then be directed immediately to a table where the exam will take place.  You will most likely be required to hold your breath for brief periods while they capture the picture and data they're looking for.  THis can be interesting if you're winded, but it's relatively easy and again pain-free.

[cindy707]

Great posts from both of you and unfortunately reminded me of memories before i had my treatments........super descriptive and accurate.....go home team!

[Mom2four85]

do I always have to be the different one? I didn't have ECG leads hooked up during my echo...I'll be interested to see what my new cardiologist's office does

[is_something_wrong]

If the cardiologist is experienced he doesn't always need them to determine the systolic and diastolic phase.

[tom_h]

Lisa, in my case, I had an echo stress done, and time was of the essence after I punched out of the treadmill, so I hopped up onto the table for the echo with the leads attached, and the pack and its belt around my waist. To be honest, I don't know if the data from the leads was used at that point or not.

[Mom2four85]

I had a stress treadmill test; failed it then passed out; so then they took me back to have an echo.  

I find it interesting how each dr does things differently...I've been questioned WHY didn't the dr do a thallium test after but the original cardio said one wasn't needed :P the others dr's just shake their heads and say they don't understand why not lol

glad to know what to expect though and I'll see how the new dr does it today =)

[Mom2four85]

yup the tech did the one with the leads this time...yay! I'm normal now; what a relief :P