Non-invasive Cardiac Lab

What is Echocardiography, Stress Echo & Stress echo VIVID E9 GE?

We feel delighted to introduce the advanced 4D ECHO & Stress Echo machine. With the 4D Stress applications physicians can view the entire ventricle under stress, not possible with conventional machines. Such high quality images enable us to use this machine for screening as well as diagnostic purposes to detect / rule out heart disease. This machine gives the ability to deliver increased volume size, resolution and volume rate. With the 4D Stress applications physicians can view the entire ventricle under stress, not possible with conventional machines.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram (echo) refers to a graphic outline of the heart’s movement. When an echo test is held, ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) from a hand-held wand placed on your chest provides pictures of the heart’s valves and chambers and enables the sonographer evaluate the pumping action of the heart. Echo is mostly combined with Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler to evaluate blood flow across the heart’s valves.

In what conditions an Echocardiogram is performed?

Doctors ask for this test to find out:

Assess the overall function of your heart
Check for the presence of many types of heart disease, such as valve disease, myocardial, pericardial, infective
Endocarditis, cardiac masses and congenital heart disease
Follow the progress of valve disease over time
Evaluate the effectiveness of your medical treatments

How should you prepare for the test?

You will be asked to wear a hospital gown and to remove your clothing from the waist up.

How Does It Work?

A cardiac sonographer will place three electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on your chest. These electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph (EKG) monitor that charts your heart’s electrical activity at the same time. The sonographer will ask you to lie on your left side on an exam table. The sonographer will place a wand (called a sound-wave transducer) on several areas of your chest. The wand will have a small amount of gel on the end, which will not harm your skin. This gel helps produce clearer pictures.

What to expect during the Echocardiogram?

There will be no major discomfort during the test. You may feel a coolness on your skin from the gel on the transducer, and a slight pressure of the transducer on your chest. Thats it.

Stress Echo & Stress echo VIVID E9 GE

What is Stress Echocardiogram?

A stress echocardiography or stress echo, is a procedure that determines how well your heart and blood vessels are working. During a stress echocardiography, you’ll exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike while your doctors evaluate your blood pressure and heart rhythm.

How do I prepare for a stress echocardiography?

You are not allowed to eat or drink anything for 3-4 hours before the test.
Avoid beverages that contain caffeine as they may increase your heart rate.
Don’t smoke on the day of the test because nicotine can interfere with your heart rate.
Avoid certain heart medications, such as beta-blockers, isosorbide-dinitrate, isosorbide-mononitrate (Isordil Titradose), and nitroglycerin, before the test. Let your doctor know if you take medication to control diabetes as well.
Wear comfortable,easy clothes. Because you will exercise, make sure to wear good walking or running shoes.

What to expect during the test?

Most people will walk on a treadmill (or pedal on an exercise bicycle). Slowly (about every 3 minutes), you will be asked to walk (or pedal) faster and on an incline. It is like being asked to walk fast or jog up a hill.

In most cases, you will need to walk or pedal for around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your health and age. Your provider will ask you to discontinue If:

Your heart is beating at the target rate
You are unable to exercise
You are having pain in the chest or a change in your blood pressure
You are tired like anything

Your blood pressure and heart rhythm (ECG) will be monitored throughout the procedure.

More echocardiogram images will be taken while your heart rate is increasing, or when it reaches its peak. The images will show whether any parts of the heart muscle do not work as well when your heart rate increases. This is a sign that part of the heart may not be getting enough blood or oxygen because of narrowed or blocked arteries.

FAQ

How long does the MRI scan take?

The MRI scan can take 15 to 30 minutes and may take longer for multiple regions. It is very important that you remain still during the scanning time as movement will degrade the quality of the images.

Can someone come into the scan room with me?

No. No one is allowed to come into the scan room.

Are there any physical effects of having an MRI scan?