Advanced Heart Ultrasound Testing in Our Office
Echocardiography and Stress Echocardiography
Echocardiography and Stress Echocardiography
At Caceres Medical Group, we provide echocardiography, commonly called an echo,
and stress echocardiography to help evaluate the structure and function of the heart.
These tests are non-invasive and provide important information about how the heart is
pumping, how the heart valves are working, and whether there may be signs of heart
disease.
What Is an Echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It uses sound waves to create
moving images of the heart chambers, valves, heart muscle, and blood flow.
An echo may help evaluate:
- Heart pumping function
- Heart valve disease
- Heart murmurs
- Heart enlargement
- Heart failure
- Fluid around the heart
- Effects of high blood pressure on the heart
- Congenital or structural heart abnormalities
The test does not use radiation and is generally painless.
How Is an Echocardiogram Done?
During the test, you will lie on an exam table. A small amount of gel is placed on the
chest, and a handheld ultrasound device called a transducer is moved over the chest
area.
The transducer sends sound waves to the heart and receives echoes back, creating
images on a monitor. You may be asked to change position or hold your breath briefly to
obtain better images.
The test usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the patient and the
information needed.
What Is a Stress Echocardiogram?
A stress echocardiogram combines an exercise stress test with heart ultrasound
imaging. It evaluates how the heart works at rest and again after exercise, when the
heart is beating faster and working harder.
Images are taken before and immediately after exercise. This allows the physician to
compare heart motion and function under stress.
A stress echo may help detect reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, which can
suggest coronary artery disease.
Common Indications
An echo or stress echo may be medically appropriate for patients with:
- Aortic stenosis or mitral valve disease
- Shortness of breath or unexplained fatigue
- Chest discomfort with cardiac risk factors
- Abnormal EKG or abnormal stress test
- Known heart failure or cardiomyopathy
- Leg swelling or fluid retention
- History of coronary artery disease
- History of heart attack or bypass surgery
- Evaluation of heart pumping function
- Monitoring of certain heart valve conditions
- Assessment before selected surgeries when appropriate
Benefits of In-Office Echocardiography
Having echocardiography and stress echocardiography available in our office allows for:
- Convenient heart evaluation
- No radiation exposure with ultrasound imaging
- Assessment of heart structure and function
- Evaluation of heart valves and heart muscle
- Better coordination with your physician’s visit
- Timely decisions about treatment or further testing
- Improved care for adults and seniors with cardiac symptoms or risk factors
If additional testing is needed, your physician may recommend cardiac monitoring,
cardiac PET imaging, coronary CT angiography, cardiac catheterization, or referral to a
specialist.
How Is a Stress Echo Done?
Before exercise, baseline ultrasound images of the heart are taken. EKG electrodes are placed on the chest, and blood pressure is monitored.
You then walk on a treadmill while your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and symptoms
are monitored. After exercise, additional ultrasound images are taken quickly while the
heart is still beating fast.The physician compares the resting and stress images to evaluate heart function and
possible evidence of coronary artery disease.
Trusted Adult and Senior Medical Care Since 1993
- For more than 33 years, Caceres Medical Group has served adults and seniors patients with compassionate, comprehensive medical care.
- We provide many in- office diagnostic services and health care to adults and seniors under one roof.
- Coordination with medical and surgical specialists when needed.
- Experience and convenience care with fewer trips and more personal care.
Caceres Medical Group
Schedule an Appointment
For evaluation of chest pain, shortness of breath, heart murmur, abnormal EKG, or
other cardiovascular concerns, please contact Caceres Medical Group.
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(714) 821-8588