Echocardiogram

There are no shortages of tests our cardiologists here at New York Medicine Doctors can perform to monitor and determine your heart health. One of the tests we recommend you undergo is an echocardiogram. This test uses ultrasound imaging to check on the heart muscles and valves and determine if they are functioning correctly. An echocardiogram is safe and non-invasive, making it the perfect test for you.

Who Should Get An Echocardiogram?

Anybody who wants to have the health of their heart checked is eligible to undergo this procedure. If you believe you are dealing with heart issues, be sure to discuss with our doctors about if an echocardiogram will offer the best diagnostic results. It is often used for the following purposes:

• To check for problems with your heart valves.
• To see if symptoms you are experiencing are connected to a heart issue.
• To determine if there are any developmental heart issues in a fetus.

What To Expect?

As previously stated, an echocardiogram is not an invasive procedure. To start, our team will attach sticky patches directly to your skin that helps to pick up your body’s natural electrical current. Additionally, we’ll apply a gel-like substance over the area. Once these two things are in place, our technician will use a device that sends soundwaves into the body. These soundwaves will bounce off the heart, creating images that will then be examined by our cardiologists.

What Might The Images Show?

The images produced during this procedure will allow our team to determine what the best course of treatment is. Below are examples of what these images can commonly point towards:

• Changes in the size of your heart.
• The pumping strength of your heart.
• Muscle damage.
• Valve issues.
• Potential heart defects.

What Comes Next?

What happens after the procedure will directly affect any next steps. Some patients may find they are not dealing with a heart issue. Others may be prescribed medications to correct their ailments. However, it is possible that following your echocardiogram, our team may recommend undergoing further testing to pinpoint what has happened to your heart.

Where To Find Us

Manhattan

Forest Hills

Rego Park

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