Echocardiography (also known as echocardiogram) is a non-invasive ultrasound procedure used to assess the heart's function and structures. UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute's cardiologists are expert at using this diagnostic tool to identify heart conditions and appropriate treatment plans. What is echocardiography?During an echocardiogram, a transducer (similar to a microphone) is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles. The ultrasonic sound waves move through
the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, bouncing or "echoing" off of the heart structures. These sound waves are sent to a computer that can create moving images of the heart walls and valves. What are the different types of echocardiograms?An echocardiogram may utilize several special types of echocardiography: - M-mode Echocardiography. This produces an image that is similar to a tracing rather than an actual picture of heart structures.
- Doppler Echocardiography. Measures and assesses the flow of blood through the heart's chambers and valves.
- Color Doppler. An enhanced form of Doppler echocardiography in which different colors are used to designate the direction of blood flow.
- 2-D (two-dimensional) Echocardiography. Used to "see" the actual motion of the heart structures in real-time so that the heart's structures can be observed.
- 3-D
(three-dimensional) echocardiography. Captures three-dimensional views of the heart structures with greater depth than 2-D echo.
What is the purpose of echocardiography?An echocardiogram may be performed for further evaluation of signs or symptoms that may suggest: - Atherosclerosis
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Aneurysm
- Valvular heart disease
- Cardiac tumor
- Pericarditis
An echocardiogram may be performed for further evaluation of signs or symptoms that may suggest: - Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis is characterized by plaque inside the arteries. An echocardiogram test will reveal the presence and location of plaque buildup in the arteries.
- Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is an inherited disease that affects the heart muscle. The disease enlarges the muscle, making it harder for the heart to pump
blood to the rest of the body. An echocardiogram test can easily detect cardiomyopathy by measuring the thickness of the heart muscle.
- Congenital heart disease: Congenital heart disease refers to any heart condition present at birth. A fetal echocardiography test can detect the disease in an unborn child at 22 weeks of pregnancy. A three-dimensional echocardiography test may be recommended for hard-to-detect cases.
- Congestive heart failure (CHF):
CHF is a chronic condition that alters the heart's ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. Over time, fluid may build up around the heart, causing it to malfunction. A two-dimensional or a Doppler echocardiography test is recommended for detecting CHF.
- Aneurysm: This refers to the weakening of the artery walls, creating an artery bulge. The condition can be detected easily via a normal echocardiogram test.
- Valvular heart disease: As the
name implies, this disease affects one or more valves of the heart. An echocardiogram is the main test recommended for diagnosing valvular heart disease. An electrocardiogram or a chest X-ray may be used to detect early signs.
- Cardiac tumor: Cardiac tumors are abnormal, cancerous or non-cancerous growths in the heart. These growths can cause problems with blood flow, so surgery is normally recommended. An echocardiogram can detect the exact position of these growths.
- Pericarditis: Pericarditis is an inflammation of the fibrous sac surrounding the heart, commonly known as the pericardium. Symptoms of this condition include sharp pain across the chest, shoulders, neck and back. The detection of pericarditis is implemented through an echocardiogram test.
How To PrepareYour cardiologist will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure. No prior
preparation, such as fasting or sedation is required. Be sure to notify your doctor of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal supplements that you are taking or if you have a pacemaker. What to Expect- An echocardiogram may be performed on an outpatient basis or as part of your stay in a hospital.
- Lying on a table or bed, positioned on your left side, you will be connected to an EKG monitor that records the electrical activity of the heart and
monitors the heart during the procedure. The EKG tracings that record the electrical activity of the heart will be compared to the images displayed on the echocardiogram monitor.
- The technologist will apply warmed gel to your chest and then place the transducer probe on the gel, moving the transducer probe around, with various amounts of pressure to obtain images of different locations and structures of your heart. The amount of pressure behind the probe should not be uncomfortable.
After the ProcedureAfter the procedure has been completed, the technologist will wipe the gel from your chest and remove the EKG electrode pads. You may resume your usual diet and activities unless your doctor advises you differently. Generally, there is no special type of care following an echocardiogram. However, your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your diagnosis or physical condition. Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Practices Cumberland/Dauphin/Franklin/Perry Counties: 717-731-0101 Pediatric : 717-761-0200 Hanover: 717-637-1738 York: 717-849-5576 Lancaster/Lititz: 717-299-5000 Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery: 717-231-8555 Request Information LocationsCardiovascular Diagnostic Services Located at UPMC Outpatient Center 2201 Brunswick Drive 2100 Hanover, PA 17331 Phone: 717-316-2195 Fax: 717-316-2242 UPMC
Heart and Vascular Institute Located at UPMC Outpatient Center Formerly known as Lebanon Valley Advanced Care Center 1251 East Main Street Suite 3 Annville, PA 17003 Adult Cardiology: 717-731-0101 Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200 UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
360 Alexander Spring Road Carlisle, PA 17013 Adult Cardiology: 717-243-6557 Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200 Fax: 717-243-0102 UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute 900 Century Drive Suite 100
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 Phone: 717-591-3660 or 800-248-0257 Fax: 717-591-3661 UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute Located at Medical Professional Center of Newport 300 Bretz Court Newport, PA 17074 Phone: 717-567-7246 or 800-248-0257 Fax: 717-567-2621 UPMC Heart and
Vascular Institute 2808 Old Post Road Harrisburg, PA 17110 Adult Cardiology: 717-920-4400 Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200 Fax: 717-920-4401 UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute 12 Saint Paul
Drive Suite 205 Chambersburg, PA 17201 Adult Cardiology: 717-217-6881 Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200 Fax: 717-217-6889 UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute Located at Commerce Park Professional Center 20 Expedition Trail Suite 203 Gettysburg, PA 17325 Phone: 717-637-1738 Fax:
717-646-7430 UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute Located at UPMC Outpatient Center 2201 Brunswick Drive 2200 Hanover, PA 17331 Phone: 717-637-1738 Fax: 717-646-7430 UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute Located at Medical Office Building 310 Stock Street Suite 3 Hanover, PA 17331 Phone: 717-637-1738 Fax: 717-646-7430 UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute 16324 Mount Airy Road Lower Level Shrewsbury, PA 17361 Phone: 717-849-5576 Fax: 717-718-9972 UPMC Heart and Vascular
Institute 1600 6th Avenue Suite 105 York, PA 17403 Phone: 717-849-5576 Fax: 717-718-9972 UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute 1555 Highlands Drive Suite 100 Lititz, PA 17543 Phone:
717-299-5000 Fax: 717-431-1205 UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute (formerly Cardiac Consultants) 1697 Crown Avenue Suite 100 Lancaster, PA 17601 Phone: 717-299-5000 Fax: 717-431-1205
What is a diagnostic procedure designed to determine the density of a body part by the sound produced by tapping the surface with the fingers?
Percussion. Percussion is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the density of a part by tapping the surface with short, sharp blows and evaluating the resulting sounds.
Which technique is also known as a scintigram?
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Which examination technique is the visualization of body parts in motion?
Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures--similar to an X-ray "movie." A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined. The beam is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail.
Which of the following procedures describes an examination of the interior structures of the body with a scope?
Endoscopy is the examination of an internal body part with an instrument called an endoscope.
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