Echocardiogram

https://www.rapidaccesstomedicalspecialists.ca/samedaycardiology/echo-test-echocardiogram

Overview

            An echocardiogram, also known as an echo test, is an ultrasound device which utilizes high frequency sound waves to produce images of your heart. This diagnostic method allows the doctor to study the activity of the heart.

Uses of Echo’s

Your doctor may refer you for an echo for various reasons such as:

• To examine your hearts valves or chambers for any issues
• To detect any heart defects (can be prenatal or after birth)

Types of Echocardiogram’s

Various types of echo’s exist, each with their unique uses but they essentially do the same thing.

• Doppler echocardiogram – Used to observe how blood flows through the heart’s valves and blood vessels. The movement of blood is detected by a transducer which allows the ultrasound computer to then measure the direction and speed of the blood flowing throughout your heart and blood vessels.
• Stress echocardiogram – During this test, an echocardiogram is done both pre and post exercise. This is done to help determine if there is any coronary artery disease present.
• Transthoracic echocardiogram – Views of the heart are obtained by moving the transducer to different places on your chest or abdomen. It uses high frequency sound waves to produce images. It is also the most common type of echocardiogram.

Symptoms

A doctor may suggest undergoing an echo test when an individual is experiencing problems with the valves or chambers of their heart. The ability for the test to view each valve and chamber allows doctors to follow the progression of any valve disease over a period of time and determine the effectiveness of a patient’s treatment. An individual who had congenital heart defects before birth may be suggested to take an echo test for the doctor to track the progression of the individual’s condition. As well as, an individual who has shortness of breath or chest pains may have to take an echo test to determine whether heart problems are the cause for such symptoms. 

It is typically completed for individuals showing symptoms such as:

• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• irregular heart beat
• fainting attacks
• palpitations

Overall this test has the ability to view the function of the heart, the hearts ability to pump blood to the rest of the body and whether there are any tumors or infectious growth surrounding an individual’s valve. 

Next Available Date

If you, or someone you know, has any cardiovascular symptoms, or would like to see our cardiologists, our cardiologists would be happy to meet with you. Please begin by obtaining a referral to see our specialist. Obtaining the referral can be done by visiting one of the general physicians any time between 8 AM and 11 PM Monday through Sunday. The Cardiology Clinic is available weekly. Simply walk-in during the specialists working hours with a signed referral letter. If the specialist is unavailable, we will then direct you to schedule an appointment with our clerical staff, or you could even go online here to expedite the process. If you already have a referral letter, please check here for the specialists’ availability for the week.

Our clinic is located at 21 Queensway West in Mississauga. Outside the Cardiology clinic, we have a wide variety of Medical Specialists, including:

• Allergies/Asthma Clinic
• Chronic Pain Management Clinic
• Orthopedic Surgery and Trauma Clinic
• Neurology (Brain Specialist) and Stroke Clinic
• Plastic Surgery Clinic
• Respiratory (Lung Specialist) Clinic

Furthermore, there is an on-site X-ray and Ultrasound, Blood Lab, and Pharmacy available daily. For more information on physician and specialist availability, booking appointments, or to register, visit our website at: https://www.rapidaccesstomedicalspecialists.ca.

*This information is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. It is a blog intended to provide general knowledge only. The information provided is for educational purposes, and you as a reader must assume complete responsibility on how you choose to utilize the given information. For any existing medical conditions or emergencies, please consult with a medical doctor or qualified healthcare provider for any medical advice. Do not use the information provided in any way for medical diagnosis or treatment purposes.

Sources: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=hw212692, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/echocardiogram/about/pac-20393856, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/echocardiogram-echo, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16947-echocardiogram, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/echocardiogram