Echocardiogram Specialist

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound technology to evaluate the structure and function of your heart. Apex Cardiology Consultants is a state-of-the-art interventional cardiology practice that offers in-office echocardiogram testing. 

The highly skilled cardiologists use the information provided by an echocardiogram to diagnose heart conditions, monitor heart conditions, and assess the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan. 

What are the types of echocardiograms?

There are many types of echocardiograms. Apex Cardiology Consultants offers:

Stress echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram evaluates the structure and function of your heart before and after a stress test. During a stress test, your provider uses exercise or medication to force your heart to pump harder.

A stress echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to capture images of your heart before and after your pumps faster and harder. The test assesses blood flow through your heart to diagnose coronary artery disease. 

Transthoracic echocardiogram

During a transthoracic echocardiogram, your provider moves a transducer along your chest and abdomen to view the structure and function of your heart. They perform the test to look for structural abnormalities such as valvular disease.

Doppler echocardiogram

A Doppler echocardiogram examines the way blood flows through your heart, heart valves, and the surrounding blood vessels, measuring the direction and speed of the blood flow.

Transesophageal echocardiogram

During a transesophageal echocardiogram, your provider passes a special transducer down the esophagus, getting more detailed images of your heart. 

Your provider gives you a sedative to help you relax during this diagnostic test and applies an anesthetic to your throat to minimize discomfort. 

Am I a candidate for an echocardiogram?

Your cardiologist at Apex Cardiology Consultants determines if you’re a candidate for an echocardiogram after a cardiology consultation. 

They may recommend the diagnostic test if you’re at risk of cardiovascular disease due to your personal or family history of heart disease. 

What happens during an echocardiogram?

Your provider explains what to expect during your echocardiogram at your cardiology consultation. That includes the type of echocardiogram you need and how to prepare. 

They perform all echocardiograms at the office. The test takes less than an hour. For patients undergoing a transesophageal echocardiogram, your provider recommends you arrange to have someone drive you home and plan to take it easy the rest of the day. 

Find out more about the echocardiograms at Apex Cardiology Consultants by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.