Echocardiogram Specialist

Usually referred to as an echo, an echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology to create an image of the structure and function of your heart muscle and valves. An echo allows your cardiologist to see your heart as it beats and pumps blood. The procedure usually includes Doppler imaging, which helps your cardiologist evaluate blood flow inside of your heart.

An echo can help your doctor determine the cause of heart-related symptoms, or monitor an ongoing condition. Symptoms and conditions that may require an echocardiogram include:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Leg swelling
• Heart murmurs
• Heart valve problems
• Myocardial disease
• Pericardial disease
• Congenital heart defects

Your physician may also suggest an echo following abnormal results from an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Echocardiograms at the Cardiology Associate Medical Group and San Diego Cardiac, Vein & Laser Treatment Center typically take about 45 minutes to complete. You won’t need any special preparation before your echo.

When your appointment begins, your skilled technician at San Diego Cardiac, Vein & Laser Treatment Center will first ask you to remove your clothes from the waist up. You wear a hospital gown during the procedure.

You rest on a table on your back or your left side during your echo. Your technician may need to inject a contrast dye into your veins to make your heart more visible in the ultrasound images.

Your sonographer applies a gel to your chest and then moves a hand-held transducer around your heart and ribs to obtain images from different angles. They may ask you to change positions or hold your breath during your echo.

Most patients can resume normal activities immediately following an echocardiogram.

Following your procedure, Dr. Taghizadeh carefully reviews each image. He may call you to discuss your echocardiogram or ask you to make a follow-up appointment.

For the most accurate diagnosis, schedule an echocardiogram with a highly trained sonographer at Cardiology Associates Medical Group and San Diego Cardiac, Vein & Laser Treatment Center. Call today or make an appointment online.