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When thinking about our heart health, it’s important to have diagnostic tools that can help detect issues early on. One such tool is echocardiography, which is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of our heart.
During an echocardiogram another term for echocardiography, a technician places a device called a transducer against our chest. The transducer emits sound waves which bounce off our heart, creating detailed images. It’s painless and typically takes about half an hour to an hour to complete.
Echocardiography is especially useful for assessing heart function and detecting abnormalities such as valve problems, congenital heart defects, enlargement, and blood clots. It can also help doctors evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and monitor changes over time.
Importantly, echocardiography does not expose patients to harmful radiation, making it a safe option for individuals with heart conditions and pregnant women. It is also more accessible than other imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue, your doctor may recommend echocardiography as part of a comprehensive evaluation. It’s a valuable and informative tool that can help shed light on our heart health and improve outcomes.
