Echocardiogram

What is a 2D Echocardiogram?

2D Echocardiogram, also known as a cardiac echo or a 2d ultrasound of the heart is a non invasive diagnostic tool performed in our Beverly Hills office to evaluate the health of the heart. The heart plays a major role in our wellness and overall health. Many conditions can be diagnosed by performing a heart echo that otherwise would not be detectable. An ultrasound uses sound waves to detect images and measure distances.

What is an Echocardiogram used for?

An echocardiogram helps detect and rule out signs of cardiac failure, decrease in ejection fraction, valvular abnormalities, heart strain and more. During an ultrasound of the heart measurements of the different chambers of the heart as well as closure and opening of the valves is recorded. Doppler 2D echo will measure blood flow through the valves and can assess regurgitation of blood, valular stenosis, regurgitation and prolapse. Echocardiography performed alongside an EKG and cardiac stress test can diagnose ischemia to the heart, as well as diagnose pulmonary or lung dysfunction as well as arrhythmias and more.

Echocardiogram Images:

Displayed in realtime is used to shed light into the function and anatomy of the heart muscles, valves and more.

When should I have an Echocardiogram done?

Symptoms that may be related to the heart include chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, swelling of the feet and more. Echocardiogram is routinely performed in patients with a history of heart disease, hypertension, palpitations, thickening of the muscles of the heart, enlargement of the cardiac chambers, changes in heart valves, as a screening tool and for the evaluation of chest pain and overall heart function.

What is an echocardiogram with doppler?

The heart is a muscle consisting of 4 chambers and valves that help pump blood to the body. By obtaining several measurements including Doppler flow within the chambers of the heart, ultrasound can help visualize blood flow in the heart and detect early signs of heart disease as well as conditions that can contribute to future heart disease. An echocardiogram with Doppler visualizes in real time the blood flow throughout the heart and valves. Doppler echocardiogram can help diagnose valvular abnormalities such as stenosis, regurgitation, prolapse and more. Doppler can also help diagnose pulmonary hypertension and strain placed on the heart from various lung conditions including pulmonary hypertention, sleep apnea, COPD and more.

Preparations needed prior to an Echocardiogram

Prior to testing, patients should avoid caffeine containing products, which can increase overall pressure within the heart and increase the heart rate. Patients may also be asked to stop taking certain blood pressure medications prior to cardiac testing.

Benefits of a 2D echocardiogram

An ultrasound of the heart is an easy, quick and painless procedure that can provide valuable information on the performance and health of the heart as well as the lungs.

A Sonogram or sonography of the heart is equal to an echocardiogram or echocardiography of the heart or a cardiac ultrasound.