Echocardiogram
Cardiology & Internal Medicine located in Merrillville , IN
An echocardiogram provides real-time images of your heart’s mechanical systems, including the valves and chambers. At Queen Of Hearts Cardiovascular & Family Healthcare in Merrillville, Indiana, double board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist Stephanie Marshall, DO, FACOI, FACC, and her team use echocardiograms to diagnose underlying heart conditions, like valve disease, blood clots, and congenital heart disease. Call the office to request an echocardiogram or book online today.
An echocardiogram is a type of diagnostic imaging. It uses ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) to capture detailed photos of your heart, heart valves, and heart chambers. Dr. Marshall uses ultrasound images to see how well your heart pumps blood. If she notices anything unusual, Dr. Marshall might order additional testing.
At Queen Of Hearts Cardiovascular & Family Healthcare, Dr. Marshall and her team of cardiac sonographers perform echocardiograms. The on-staff sonographers have extensive training using the latest cardiovascular imaging technologies. Treatment is entirely noninvasive and doesn’t expose you to potentially harmful substances, like radiation.
At Queen Of Hearts Cardiovascular & Family Healthcare, Dr. Marshall and her team use echocardiograms to detect various heart conditions, including:
Echocardiograms can also detect changes in your heart muscle, including blood clots and cardiac tumors.
An echocardiogram is an outpatient procedure that takes 30-90 minutes*.
At the beginning of treatment, Dr. Marshall attaches several small electrodes to your chest. The electrodes are flat, sticky patches that connect to an EKG monitor — a machine that records your heart’s electrical activity.
Next, you lie down on an exam table. Then, Dr. Marshall carefully runs a handheld wand (called a transducer) over specific areas of skin on your chest. Dr. Marshall lubricates the wand with a silicone gel, so it glides smoothly over your body.
The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that penetrate your skin and bounce off of your heart. A computer converts the sound waves into images, allowing Dr. Marshall to identify potentially serious issues.
Dr. Marshall might ask you to hold your breath or change positions several times during the test.
Dr. Marshall explains the results of your echocardiogram in a follow up appointment. She even uses your results to help determine the best treatment. If you have questions, make sure to bring them up. Dr. Marshall explains the next steps, including whether you need follow up tests or a referral to a specialist.
If you’re concerned about the health of your heart, call Queen Of Hearts Cardiovascular & Family Healthcare to request an echocardiogram, or book online today.
*Individual results may vary.