The Heart, High Cholesterol, and Blood Circulation Issues / Question
Published: July 14, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have to have an echocardiogram done in a couple of weeks for a possible heart valve abnormality. What should I expect from the echo? Also, what precautions should I take if I do have an abnormality (it's for an ejection click)? I know I'll have to take medication before any dentist visits, but is there anything else? Thanks! (By the way, I'm a 15/F.)
Signed: I Have to Have an Echocardiogram
Dear I Have to Have an Echocardiogram,
An echocardiogram is a painless, non-invasive procedure used to diagnose cardiovascular disease. It uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images or pictures of your heart. The images appear on a screen similar to your television screen at home (It is the same technology that allows you to watch a fetus in the womb.) There is also the Doppler ultrasound. This type of ultrasound measures the speed and direction of the blood flow in your heart. It can detect leaking or narrowed heart valves. This test can tell your doctor about the overall pumping action of your heart and if you have any of the following heart problems:
· Enlargement of the heart
· Unusual thickening of the heart (sometimes due to high blood pressure)
· Unusual thinning of the heart (sometimes due to previous heart attacks)
· Leaking or narrowing (stenosis) of the heart valves
There is no special preparation required for an echocardiogram. The exam usually lasts about 30-45 minutes and is painless. It requires you to lie quietly while a small probe, called a transducer, is gently placed in various positions of the chest. Because the ultrasound waves cannot pass effectively through air, a clear jelly-like substance (which may feel a little cold) is applied to the probe and placed on your skin. This transducer allows the ultrasound equipment to obtain pictures of the heart as it is working. You may hear strange noises coming from the equipment. This is just the amplified sound of your heart valves and is completely normal. There are no known risks associated with this test.
Your doctor will discuss with you the results of the tests and advise you of any treatment or precautions that maybe necessary. It would be better to ask your physician any questions or concerns you may have since he/she will have your relevant medical information at hand.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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