FAQs

Why Should You Be Concerned?

Every year, about 1.2 million Americans will have a coronary attack. About 494,000 will die and many could be avoided.

Cardiovascular diseases, including CHD and stroke, remain the number one cause of death in the United States, killing more than 953,000 Americans each year.

Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in the US and a leading cause of death worldwide.

Cardiovascular disease claims more women’s lives than the next six causes of death combined — about 500,000 women’s lives a year.

Worldwide, about 1 in 150 babies are born with cardiac defects.

Heart Ultrasound (Echocardiography) can be very helpful to:

Evaluate a heart murmur
Diagnose and determine the extent of valve conditions
Determine the presence of abnormalities in the structure of the heart
Measure the size and thickness of the heart and its chambers
Assess the motion of the chamber walls and the extent of damage to the heart muscle after a heart attack
Assess how different parts of the heart are functioning in patients with chronic heart disease
Determine if fluid is collecting around the heart (Congestive Heart Problems)
Identify presence of tumors in the heart
Assess for and monitor congenital defects
Evaluate a patient’s response to a treatment or a corrective procedure
Evaluate blood flow through the heart
Assess the heart condition prior to transplant; see if major blood vessels have been damaged by traumatic injury
Assess problems with the heart muscle (known as cardiomyopathy)
Assess abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
Assess Bacterial Endocarditis (BE—an infection of the valves and inner lining of the heart. This happens when bacteria from the skin, mouth, or intestines enter the bloodstream and infect the heart)
Assess EF–ejection fraction levels (heart flow)
Rule out any of the above-mentioned abnormalities

Why is Heart Ultrasound the most popular type of heart evaluation?

Heart Ultrasound (echocardiography) has been the most widely-used diagnostic test for heart disease for over 50 years!
A sedative is not needed for the most common type of heart ultrasound
Injection of a dye is not involved in the most common type of heart ultrasound. Injection of dye can be used to enhance the heart ultrasound in some circumstances (contrast echocardiogram), but is not necessary for all heart ultrasound exams
You aren’t put in a claustrophobia-inducing machine to do the procedure. Heart Ultrasounds are performed as you lie on a comfortable table
Heart Ultrasound scanning equipment is readily available in almost all hospitals and clinics. Other new technology may not be available in every healthcare setting
Heart Ultrasound is not a high-priced procedure. Other technologies can be much more expensive than getting a heart ultrasound
Heart Ultrasound is helpful for the diagnosis of heart health, a variety of heart diseases and ailments. Heart Ultrasounds can be used in all stages of life
Ultrasound does not involve any radiation exposure

Why Are You Waiting?

Heart Ultrasounds are not for everyone, but if you would like to protect your heart health because of a family history of heart disease, are in a high-risk group, or are experiencing any symptoms (shortness of breath, pain in your arm, etc.—see AHA guidelines), take the time to talk to your doctor today.

What types of heart ultrasounds are there?

The most common type of heart ultrasound performed is transthoracic, which is performed by placing a microphone-like device called the transducer on the outside of the chest wall with a gel-like substance to transmit sound waves into the body. There are also several other types:

Doppler echocardiograms evaluate blood flow in the heart and blood vessels. This procedure measures the speed and direction of the blood flow within the heart. It screens the four valves for leaks. With Doppler echocardiograms, as the wand moves over your heart you will hear a “whooshing” sound much like that of a washing machine. This is the sound of blood moving within your heart.
The stress echo or stress test combines the echo exam with a treadmill to walk on or a bike to pedal, or medication that shows the effect of exercise on the heart. Stress tests are used to diagnose the narrowing of the coronary arteries.
The contrast echocardiogram combines an echocardiogram with an IV that contains a solution which allows the sonographer or physician to see the inside of the heart more clearly. This is a harmless solution that has no known side effects. You will need to have an IV started to receive a contrast echocardiogram.
Transesophageal echo is a form of echo where a miniature ultrasound camera is passed down the throat to coat the back of the heart. This allows the physician to obtain very high quality moving images. You can be sedated during the procedure if you wish. Transesophageal echocardiograms are typically performed to evaluate serious heart conditions.

What is it like?

A trained cardiac professional (a sonographer) will move a microphone-like object (a transducer - a hand-held device that sends and receives ultrasound signals) over the chest area. A small amount of gel used on the end of the transducer helps it glide over the skin. The transducer sends out high-frequency sound waves that are then shown (and captured) by equipment that includes a video screen and computer. Most people feel not much more than the presence of the gel on their skin during the procedure, but others may feel some pressure from the transducer being pressed down in order to obtain an enhanced image.

How Safe Is It?

Heart Ultrasound is safer than some other heart imaging techniques because no radiation is involved. The sonographer taking your test will be right in the room next to you during the exam (without a protective vest or leaving the room!). In fact, while she or he is taking a moving picture of your heart they will be talking to you. The final results will be reviewed by a specially trained physician to assure an accurate interpretation.

Who Can Have a Heart Ultrasound?

This exceptional view of your heart enables doctors to study your heart’s functional and structural performance. Babies (even in the womb!), children, adults, and the elderly all can safely experience cardiac ultrasound.

How do I find a qualified professional?

Looking for someone to perform or read a heart ultrasound? The designation Fellow of the American Society of Echocardiography (FASE) recognizes the experienced, dedicated ASE member with a diverse set of skills and comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography). Click here to find a FASE in your area.

How do I find an accredited echo lab?

Private offices, clinics and departments within hospitals that are accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL) voluntarily submit to a review of their daily operations. This is a demonstration of a commitment to quality care. Click here to find an accredited lab in your area.

Where do I get a heart ultrasound?

A heart ultrasound can be performed in any setting, i.e., wherever the patient is. While it is usually performed in a hospital or doctor’s office, it can be performed bedside in the emergency room, an intensive care unit, or in an operating room. A cardiac sonographer, a health care professional specially trained and certified in cardiac ultrasound, usually performs the ultrasound, and the results are reviewed by a doctor.

What happens if the doctor finds a problem?

The heart ultrasound specialist physician will explain the findings of the heart ultrasound to your own doctor. You may need to undergo additional tests or treatment may be recommended. Treatment for heart problems includes medication, surgery, and lifestyle modification.

What is the difference between heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) and an EKG?

Heart Ultrasound shows a moving image of a beating heart on a television-like screen. An EKG, or electrocardiogram, measures the electrical currents in the heart. These are different diagnostic techniques used to obtain different information. The EKG tells about the electrical health of the heart while the heart ultrasound shows the health of the heart walls and valves.

How long has heart ultrasound (echocardiography) been around?

Ultrasounds began to be used on the heart in a clinical setting in the late 1960s. The technology is still going through improvements and developments. Live, moving pictures keep heart ultrasound as one of the most prescribed diagnostic tests.