While most people may feel relieved and secure by the sound of a beep produced by a heart monitor it is so much more than just that. An echocardiogram or, Echo for short, is a major asset that cardiologists use to examine the heart. Unlike involution procedures, this screening test does not require the patient to undergo surgery and provides the physician with clear images of the heart to help in managing several cardiovascular diseases with the help of a cardiologist specialist in Ahmedabad. This is a step-by-step guide for you in case you have been for echocardiogram recently; subsequently what does it signify to your cardiac health?
What is an Echocardiogram?
Echocardiogram is an ultrasound examination of the heart where sound waves are used to develop pictures of the heart. This test can furnish a tremendous amount of information concerning the size, shape, and functions of your heart and its valves. In the test, a technician will put gel on the chest and place a transducer which is both transmitter and receiver of ultrasonic waves to give pictures of the beating heart.
Types of Echocardiograms
There are several types of echocardiograms, each serving a specific purpose:
1. Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): This is the most common echo that is associated with cardiology issues. It consists in putting the transducer on the chest, in order to obtain images of the heart.
2. Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): In this test the transducer is passed down the oesophagus. This gives clearer images more often because the oesophagus is closer to the heart.
3. Stress Echocardiogram: This test is carried out before exercising or after taking drugs that puts pressure in the heart. It also assists in showing the efficiency of the heart in handling stress levels.
4. Doppler Echocardiogram: This type of echo targets blood circulation in the heart and blood vessels. It can diagnose affections to circulation of blood and pressure.
Decoding Your Echocardiogram Results
The findings from your echocardiogram will give a more detailed picture regarding several aspects of the functioning of your heart. Here are some key components you might find in your report:
1. Heart Chambers and Wall Motion
Thus, the echo can demonstrate the dimensions of the size and thickness of your heart chambers. On the basis of the size of the chambers, this could signal cardiomyopathy or heart failure. The test also measures the movement of the walls of the heart to find out on how well the heart is functioning.
2. Heart Valves
Your echocardiogram will also determine the effective functioning of the pumps of your heart namely the valves to facilitate proper opening and closing. Problems such as valve stenosis, or narrowing or valve regurgitation, where the valves do not close properly and allow blood backflow, can be detected.
3. Ejection Fraction
Ejection fraction in short as EF is the fraction or the percentage of total blood volume in the left ventricle that is ejected out in each contraction. The normal range of EF is between 55-70%. Reduced EF may be seen in heart failure or cardiomyopathy.
4. Blood Flow and Pressure
Doppler imaging in an echocardiogram helps in determining speed and pressure of blood in heart chambers and valves. This can assist in diagnosing valve abnormalities and Congenital heart disease, Hypertension among others.
5. Pericardium
The echo checks the pericardium which is a membrane surrounding the heart and measures such things as pericardial inflammation, for example pericarditis or built up fluid, for example pericardial effusion.
What to Do After Receiving Your Echocardiogram Results
Understanding your echocardiogram results is just the first step. The next step still will be a discussion of these results with a cardiologist. Cardiologist specialist in Ahmedabad, Dr. Jignesh Patel warns that a full discussion of heart health is essential. Here are some steps to take after receiving your results
1. Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment
Schedule an appointment with your cardiologist so they can go over the results of your echocardiogram with you. Fear not as Dr. Jignesh Patel is in Ahmedabad considered the Best Cardiologist, he will explain to you what these results are, and what one should do next.
2. Discuss Treatment Options
Depending on the findings of the echocardiogram your cardiologist will advise you on further management. This could be in the form of drugs, change in diet, exercises or even other further tests and procedures. You can be assured that you get quality treatment that is targeted to address your specific health condition, when you are under the able competence of Dr. Jignesh Patel.
3. Monitor Your Heart Health
It is very important to conduct some form of check-up on your heart often. In case you need constant monitoring, You may consult Dr. Jignesh Patel to get the best ECG service in Ahmedabad for monitoring your heart.
Another crucial topic that should be covered in children’s health literature is the significance of regular check–ups. The proper work of the heart is of utmost importance and its health should not be a subject of joke. Seeing your cardiologist, if you have risk factors for heart disease often can go a long way in the management of heart ailments. Ahmedabad based Dr. Jignesh Patel, a well-known cardiologist specialist in Ahmedabad suggests that one should go for periodic echocardiography and other related diagnostic procedures to keep the heart fit.
Conclusion
But to keep or even improve your heart health, it is important to have basic knowledge about the results of your echocardiogram test. It is always advisable to consult an expert even if there are signs of heart problems with the help of a competent Cardiologist such as Dr Jignesh Patel steps can then be taken to avoid such diseases.
They have found who is the best cardiologist in Ahmedabad, the answer is Dr. Jignesh Patel. Being a qualified cardiologist, the doctor focuses on the patient and delivers the best results in the treatment. To embellish, whether you need an echocardiogram, or ECG service in Ahmedabad Or any other specific treatment from the heart, you don’t have to worry since Dr. Patel will be around to guide you.