Cardiac ultrasound testing
Echocardiogram in Reseda, CA
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to look at heart muscle motion, chamber size, valves, and blood flow. It is a common way to estimate ejection fraction. Recovered education stated there is typically no preparation for a standard resting echo.
What a resting echocardiogram shows
Ultrasound images show movement of blood in each chamber and as it passes through the valves. Heart walls and chambers are measured for size. The exam looks at muscle motion and circulation.
Recovered Tests education estimated about 30 minutes for a standard echocardiogram and stated no preparation is necessary.
Why it may be ordered in rhythm care
Pumping function, valve disease, and chamber size can influence arrhythmia symptoms and treatment discussions. Ejection fraction — the portion of blood pumped out with each beat — is often estimated from an echo.
An echo does not replace an EKG. The two tests answer different questions.
Stress echocardiogram
A stress echo compares resting and exercising ultrasound images of the heart and simultaneous EKG recordings. Recovered education said the exam takes about one hour and can be done on a treadmill or a bicycle.
You change into a gown, are connected to an EKG monitor, have resting EKGs and a resting ultrasound, then exercise — recovered text said about 6 to 10 minutes — until peak exercise, then another ultrasound is obtained. Images and EKGs are compared.
Stress-echo preparation from recovered education
Wear tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes. Recovered instructions asked patients not to eat for one hour before the exam, and said medications can be taken as usual unless you are told otherwise.
Confirm prep with the office. Fasting and medication instructions can differ by protocol and are flagged for physician approval.
What an echo cannot do
A resting echo does not continuously record rhythm the way a Holter does. Intra-cardiac echo used during some procedures is a different, hospital-based technique and is not the same as an office ultrasound.
When to contact the office
Call if you were scheduled for an echocardiogram in Reseda or have questions about preparation. Call 911 for emergency symptoms.