Echocardiogram
An Echocardiogram is a diagnostic test available at CCMA that produces images of the heart by using harmless sound waves. These sound waves are bounced off the heart, then beamed back and converted to images on a screen, similar to a TV screen. The images give CCMA physicians a wealth of information about your heart. The test shows the four chambers of your heart, the strength of your heart muscle, the presence of fluid around the heart, problems with your heart valves, congenital heart disease and information about the pressures within your heart.
To conduct the test, a CCMA ultrasound technologist attaches three electrodes to your chest to record a simultaneous EKG. Then, they place a hand-held, lubricated ultrasound probe against various places on your chest. You will lie in different positions during the test.
There are no known side effects from these sound waves and the test does not hurt although you will feel the pressure of the probe on your chest. The test takes about 30 to 45 minutes and no preparation is required.
The Echo Lab is certified by the ICAEL (Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories) and its Board of Directors.