What an Echocardiogram Can Reveal During a Routine Health Check

Understanding an Echocardiogram: What It Reveals

As mentioned, an echocardiogram can be done in a doctor’s office, so you do not have to worry about going into special rooms or exposure to radiation. This ultrasound-like test uses safe sound waves to create an image of a patient’s heart in real time. When a primary care doctor takes an echocardiogram, they can see the shape and size of your heart and blood vessels. These detailed images help physicians diagnose a wide range of heart conditions before they worsen. Here’s what an echocardiogram can reveal during a routine check to ensure early treatment.

Heart Structure and Size

An echocardiogram identifies the entire heart structure and size. This includes the different chambers to determine if they are weakened or enlarged, which can indicate conditions like heart failure or high blood pressure. Based on the images, primary care doctors can also measure the thickness of the heart muscle to detect conditions like cardiomyopathy. In the case of structural abnormalities, an echocardiogram can identify congenital defects, such as holes in the heart.

Heart Function and Performance

The real-time images generated by the sound waves reveal pumping strength, which is a key indicator of heart health. Primary care physicians in Greenbelt, MD can calculate the percentage of blood pumped out of the main chamber with each beat, checking if it is within the 50-70% range. Any lower may suggest that the heart walls move weakly due to a lack of oxygen or an undetected heart attack. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial in ensuring effective treatments that enhance heart function and performance.

Heart Valve Health

Another crucial aspect of echocardiogram tests is identifying heart valve health. Primary care doctors can assess whether the four valves are opening and closing properly, as well as other issues like regurgitation or narrowing. Whether these conditions are due to an infection on or around the heart, an echocardiogram plays a crucial role in ensuring these issues do not escalate into severe heart emergencies.

Blood Flow and Pressure

An echocardiogram test is not only limited to the heart but also blood flowing in and out. Doppler imaging measures the speed and direction of blood flow throughout the heart. By checking the velocity of blood flow, primary care physicians can identify elevated pressure in the arteries that supply the lungs, preventing pulmonary hypertension. Conversely, physicians can identify a significant decrease in pressure, recommending treatments to stop further damage due to hypotension.

Surrounding Structure

Finally, echocardiogram tests help doctors and specialists detect inflammation or excess fluid buildup in the sac surrounding the heart. If left unchecked, these structural issues can cause pericardial disease and other health complications. Besides inflammation of the heart, an echocardiogram can help identify tears or aneurysms in the aorta, allowing for timely intervention to prevent aortic issues.

Although a standard resting electrocardiogram is highly detailed, it cannot visualize the coronary arteries. However, a stress electrocardiogram or other tests may be recommended in such situations to check for blockages. Contact Southern Maryland to book an appointment with our experts and learn more effective ways to maintain good heart health and overall well-being for years to come.