Echocardiogram
Service description
What is an echocardiogram?
Echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that provides a moving image of the heart. It is essential for the detection of heart problems.
The echocardiogram obtains images of the heart through ultrasound, and provides us with information about:
The shape of the heart
The size of the heart
The function of the heart
The strength of the heart
Movement and thickness of the heart walls
The function of the heart valves
Types of Echocardiograms
There are different types of echocardiograms:
Transthoracic
Transesophageal
Stress echocardiogram
Pharmacological stress
How it is performed
To perform an echocardiogram, a conductive gel is applied either on the patient's chest or directly on the device that captures the images.
The transducer is placed on the patient's chest, usually on the patient's left side. The cardiologist will move the transducer to obtain different images. The test usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, although sometimes it may take longer.
The Patient
The patient remains lying down and as quiet as possible, without requiring any special preparation prior to the test or fasting. The echocardiogram is not painful and does not produce any side effects. It can be perfectly performed on pregnant women without any harm to the baby, since it is a test that does not emit radiation.
centers with this service
Service description - Echocardiogram
What is an echocardiogram?
Echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that provides a moving image of the heart. It is essential for the detection of heart problems.
The echocardiogram obtains images of the heart through ultrasound, and provides us with information about:
The shape of the heart
The size of the heart
The function of the heart
The strength of the heart
Movement and thickness of the heart walls
The function of the heart valves
Types of Echocardiograms
There are different types of echocardiograms:
Transthoracic
Transesophageal
Stress echocardiogram
Pharmacological stress
How it is performed
To perform an echocardiogram, a conductive gel is applied either on the patient's chest or directly on the device that captures the images.
The transducer is placed on the patient's chest, usually on the patient's left side. The cardiologist will move the transducer to obtain different images. The test usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, although sometimes it may take longer.
The Patient
The patient remains lying down and as quiet as possible, without requiring any special preparation prior to the test or fasting. The echocardiogram is not painful and does not produce any side effects. It can be perfectly performed on pregnant women without any harm to the baby, since it is a test that does not emit radiation.