The heart is one of the most critical parts of the human body. It is different from most body parts in many ways, including its necessity for the body to survive. If many body parts start having a problem, they can be removed, and a person continues with their life. However, if the heart suffers a problem, it should be addressed since it can cause critical conditions such as stroke or death. A Port Saint Lucie echocardiogram is a helpful diagnostic tool if you are suffering from a heart condition. If you are going in for an echocardiogram; this is what you should know.
Symptoms of a Heart Condition
These signs and symptoms can help you know that you have a heart condition.
- Leg swelling
- Unusual sounds occur between the heartbeats, known as heart murmurs
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal EKG results
- High or low blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
How the Echocardiogram is Used
The specialist could use it to:
- Trace any blood clots or tumors
- Investigate factors causing the abnormal electrical heart test (EKG)
- Check how well the heart is pumping the blood
- Analyze the heart pressure while diagnosing pulmonary hypertension
- Monitor how the heart responds to varying treatments such as pacemakers and artificial valves.
Preparation for the Test
If the specialist carries out the test on the person’s body, there is no need to prepare. However, if it is internal, it calls for preparation. For instance, for a transesophageal echocardiogram, the patient should avoid eating for four hours before the exam. The patient should resume eating when the local anesthesia has worn off, which takes approximately 1-2 hours.
During the Test
During the test, the specialist may instruct the patient to remove their clothes from the waist up. They should wear the prescribed hospital gown if they want to cover themselves. The person will then lie on a table on either left or backside, where the specialist injects the dye or the saline solutions into their veins.
After the test
In most instances, patients can return to their normal activities after the procedure. However, the patients who have had a transesophageal echocardiogram will have to stay in the hospital for a few hours. They could have a sore throat during this time, though the symptoms will improve after a short time. Furthermore, people who had received a sedative before the exam should avoid driving for some hours after the echocardiogram.
Most people suffering from a heart condition ignore the signs and seek medical attention when the condition worsens. Are you experiencing signs that you suspect could be caused by heart problems? You should not wait any longer. TLC Medical Group Inc. has been offering heart tests to individuals to detect any heart condition. Anthony Lewis, MD, FACC, collaborates with a team of specialists to offer the patients customized care based on their condition, helping them attain full recovery. Book an appointment to schedule your visit and start enjoying your health.
