Echocardiogram

Symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath are concerning and may require diagnostic tests like an echocardiogram to confirm or rule out a heart condition. At Apex Heart & Vascular Center in Houston, Tomball, and Cypress, Texas, board-certified cardiologist Yasir Akram, MD, MPH, FACC, FSCAI, and the team provide comprehensive cardiac care, offering tests like an echocardiogram to diagnose and monitor heart disease. Call the office closest to you today or book an appointment online to learn more about heart health testing.

What can an echocardiogram diagnose?

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that evaluates the structure and function of the heart, helping diagnose heart disease. Apex Heart & Vascular Center performs the imaging test to diagnose:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Heart valve disease
• Heart murmur
• Heart inflammation (pericarditis)
• Heart infection (infectious endocarditis)

The echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images, allowing the team at Apex Heart & Vascular Center to evaluate the structure of your heart. 

They may also do a Doppler echocardiogram, looking at the movement of blood through the arteries.  

Who needs an echocardiogram?

If you have concerning symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, you may need an echocardiogram to confirm or rule out a heart condition.

Apex Heart & Vascular Center may also recommend an echocardiogram to evaluate heart health following a heart attack or monitor your heart after implementing a treatment plan. 

What happens during an echocardiogram?

The specialists at Apex Heart & Vascular Center review the details of your echocardiogram before your test. The specifics depend on the echocardiogram type, such as:

Transthoracic echocardiogram

During a noninvasive transthoracic echocardiogram, the technician applies a gel to your chest and moves a small transducer over your skin. The transducer sends sound waves into the body that bounce off your heart and back to the device, generating images that appear on computer screens. 

Transesophageal echocardiogram

If the cardiologists at Apex Heart & Vascular Center want to get a more detailed image of your heart, they may recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram. For this test, they insert an endoscope — a thin flexible tube with a light and camera — with a transducer down to the esophagus to get pictures. 

Stress test echocardiogram

The stress test echocardiogram is an ultrasound test that evaluates the structure and function of your heart before and after exercise, making it easier for the team to spot heart problems. 

Can I go home after an echocardiogram?

Most people can go home after an echocardiogram and resume their usual activities. However, you may need to have someone drive you home and take it easy the rest of the day if you received a sedative for the test.  

Call Apex Heart & Vascular Center today or request an appointment online to learn more about the echocardiogram and how it may help find the cause of your chest pain.