Overview
The echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart performed at our office in Woodbridge, VA that can help your doctor diagnose certain heart conditions.
This test provides valuable information on how effectively your heart is pumping and can identify structural changes that may suggest heart disease.
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Why it's done
​An echocardiogram may be suggested if you are experiencing symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, swelling in the body, or have a history of a heart murmur. This test generates images of the heart as it is beating to identify problems with the valves, chambers, or function of the heart muscle that can help guide your medical treatment.
What you can expect
During a transthoracic echocardiogram, a Cardiac Sonographer applies gel on a transducer device and firmly presses the device against the skin on your chest aiming the ultrasound beam toward your heart.
The device records sound wave echoes from your heart, which are then converted to moving images on a monitor. This procedure takes 20-30 minutes to complete in our office.
How you prepare
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Visit our office at Woodbridge, 15 minutes before your appointment
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Take your medications as regularly prescribed prior to the test.
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Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing for ease of access to the chest area.
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Please do not bring a guest along, as we can only accommodate patients having the test.
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You may resume your normal medications and activities after your test
Results
Test results will be reviewed with you at your follow-up appointment after the cardiologist has read the study images. The study findings will help to guide your medical treatment by providing information on the function and structure of the heart muscle. Your heart doctor may suggest routine surveillance monitoring, the start of certain medications, or further testing, such as Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) or cardiac catheterization, as further evaluation based on your results.