- An enlarged heart or thick ventricles (the lower chambers)
- Weakened heart muscles.
- Problems with your heart valves.
- Heart defects that you've had since birth.
- Blood clots or tumors.
Can an echocardiogram detect all heart problems?
Echo can show whether any of your heart valves don't open normally or close tightly. Problems with your heart's structure. Echo can detect congenital heart defects, such as holes in the heart. Congenital heart defects are structural problems present at birth.
What 5 abnormalities can be found on the echocardiogram?
- Atrial Fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a condition that causes an irregular and rapid heartbeat.
- Cardiovascular Disease.
- Heart Valve Disease.
- Thickening of Heart Walls.
- Pericardial Effusion.
What does a normal echocardiogram rule out?
What Do My Echocardiogram Results Mean? After your test, your doctor will go over your results with you. Normal results mean that your heart and its valves are working the right way, and the amount of blood your heart pumps out is normal.23 Aug 2015
Why would a doctor order an echocardiogram?
Your doctor may suggest an echocardiogram to: Check for problems with the valves or chambers of your heart. Check if heart problems are the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain. Detect congenital heart defects before birth (fetal echocardiogram)30 Mar 2021
What happens if my echocardiogram is abnormal?
Abnormal echocardiogram results help doctors determine if further testing is necessary or if you need to be placed on a treatment plan. When it comes to your heart, there is no room for taking risks. If you experience any symptoms associated with your heart, it's best to see a doctor and get tested.22 May 2020
How long does it take to get the results of an echocardiogram?
A cardiologist will read the results of your echocardiogram within 24 hours of the test. You should expect to get your results from your provider within three days.
What can I expect during an echocardiogram?
The technician will move the transducer back and forth over your chest to record images of sound-wave echoes from your heart. You may hear a pulsing "whoosh," which is the ultrasound recording the blood flowing through your heart. You may be asked to breathe in a certain way or to roll onto your left side.30 Mar 2021
What should you not do before an echocardiogram?
Don't eat or drink anything but water for 4 hours before the test. Don't drink or eat anything with caffeine (such as cola, chocolate, coffee, tea, or medications) for 24 hours before. Don't smoke the day of the test. Caffeine and nicotine might affect the results.25 Feb 2020
What should you wear for an echocardiogram?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is suitable for exercise. Men usually don't wear a shirt during the test, and women generally wear a bra and a lightweight blouse or a hospital gown. You should also wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
Which is better ECG or echocardiogram?
Echocardiograms also provide highly accurate information on heart valve function. They can be used to identify leaky or tight heart valves. While the EKG can provide clues to many of these diagnoses, the echocardiogram is considered much more accurate for heart structure and function.10 Dec 2017
Is Echo necessary if ECG is normal?
Echo: An echocardiogram isn't recommended as a routine test if you are healthy, have no heart problems, and have a low risk for heart disease. If you have coronary artery disease, you probably don't need this test unless you have new symptoms.