Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram gives us the information about your heart’s anatomy, its muscle function, the integrity of the heart valves, reason for a heart murmur, possible reason why a patient has heart failure, possible reason why a patient had a stroke or passed out along with other information related to explain the possible causes of shortness of breath etc.

618-244-2525

M. Haseeb, MD, FACC

Cardiologist located in Mt Vernon, IL

Echocardiogram

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound technology to provide information about your heart function and major arteries of the heart. This test helps detect heart and blood vessel problems or monitor the treatment of a previously diagnosed heart condition.

Echocardiogram provide information about:

Your heart’s anatomy
Your heart’s muscle function
The integrity of your heart valves
Heart murmurs
Reasons for conditions like heart failure and stroke

Why might I require an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is helpful in the following situations:

To evaluate the cause of shortness of breath
Patients with a Heart Murmur
To assess the heart function after a heart attack
To assess the heart function in a patient known to have Coronary artery disease
Patients with Hypertension
Patients who have had a history of losing consciousness / passing out
Patients with established Heart disease
Patients with H/O Chest pain
Patients with Palpitations / Irregular or fast heart beat
Current treatment for heart disease
To evaluate patients complaining of fatigue, weakness, or difficulty exercising

What should I expect during an echocardiogram?

It is just an Ultrasound of the heart. It is a noninvasive test that is performed by a specially trained person called Sonographer. An ultrasound gel is placed on a probe called transducer that is placed on the left side of the chest over the area of the heart. Images are acquired with the patient laying on a special exam table. These are recorded and stored in a computer for subsequent evaluation and reporting by the Cardiologist.

If you want to be proactive about your health and get screened for heart problems early, call Mt. Vernon Heart Institute today or use the online scheduler.