 Echocardiogram is a non invasive test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to evalutate how well the heart is working. Gel is applied to the chest and a transducer (wand-like apparatus) is moved over the chest area to produce an image of the internal structures of the heart. The test takes approximately 30 minutes. To have echocardiogram performed at our facility, a Beaver Family Clinic health care provider must order the test. Echocardiograms are read by a cardiologist.
This test will help your doctor to evaluate the following:
- How well the heart is moving
- How well the valves are working - leaky or narrow valves
- The size of the heart and its pumping chambers
- Amount of fluid around the heart
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