Gainesville Heart & Vascular Group
535 Jesse Jewell Parkway
Suite C
Gainesville, GA 30501
United States
ph: 770-534-9014
fax: 770-534-9012
administ
Echocardiography
Echocardiography (Echo) test uses sound waves to evaluate your heart. This test is painless and visualizes the heart without radiation providing the physician with valuable information about the function and structure of heart valves, heart muscle, and surrounding tissue (pericardium). The test is performed by an Echo Tech who stores the images digitally and then is reviewed by our physician in conjunction with the patient's medical history. The test typically takes less than 30 minutes and patients are able to resume their normal activities immediately afterwards.
Transesophageal Echocardiography
Transesophageal Echocardiography Studies (TEEs) are used when echoes are unable to provide the physician with adequate information (typically for larger patients). TEEs (performed in the hospital as outpatient) involve a local anesthetic that helps reduce the discomfort associated with the test. The physician inserts a flexible tube down the throat to the esophagus enabling the physician to see the heart function from inside your chest. Since some mild sedation may be used, you should bring a family member or friend to drive you home. The test takes 30 minutes and you are typically able to go home after two or three hours.
Stress Echocardiography
Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to determine how the heart muscles respond to stress. It is mainly used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease.
A stress echocardiogram includes the following steps:
This test differs from an exercise stress test, which does not use ultrasound images.
If you are not able to exercise, you will receive a medication such as dobutamine through a vein (intravenous line). This type of medicine will make your heart beat faster and harder, similar to when you exercise.
The test is performed to see whether your heart muscle is getting enough blood flow and, therefore, enough oxygen when it is working hard (under stress).
The results of this stress test can help your doctor:
Your doctor may request this test if you:
A stress echocardiogram is a very effective, noninvasive test that can help determine whether you have blockages in your coronary arteries. If there are blockages, it can determine the severity of the problem. Early diagnosis and monitoring of heart disease allows treatment to begin early.
Copyright 2009 Gainesville Heart & Vascular Group. All rights reserved.
Gainesville Heart & Vascular Group
535 Jesse Jewell Parkway
Suite C
Gainesville, GA 30501
United States
ph: 770-534-9014
fax: 770-534-9012
administ