Heart problems are the main reason for deaths in Australia. Heart abnormalities are usually invisible because most people have no symptoms. Heart disease is a deceptive killer – the body and mind adapt to chronic conditions, causing us to lose our ability to define the level of threat to our health. For example, many cardiovascular diseases cause shortness of breath. However, many patients have been out of breath for a long time, so they do not realize they are in danger. Echocardiography Sydney is an important and reliable tool in the fight against heart disease. It is a digital diagnostic method that uses ultrasound to diagnose and measure risk levels throughout healthcare.
It is a simple, non-invasive procedure that can detect when a patient is at risk of heart disease or has a history of abnormal heartbeat. An echocardiogram usually detects and measures the heart’s health – movement and the size of the heart muscle and the four heart valves, ensuring proper function.
Types Of Echocardiography
Some types of echocardiography include:
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): How It Works?
Transthoracic echocardiograms are the most common of these two. This type of echocardiogram is rare. Here’s how it works:
The cardiologist performs an examination, and your cardiologist interprets the results. (Cardiologists may also provide a second opinion on echocardiograms performed elsewhere, if necessary.) Electrodes are placed on the chest. A special gel is applied to the areas on which the transducer will be used.
The cardiologist then places the transducer on your chest. This tiny instrument emits sound waves and detects echoes of those sound waves as it reflects your body’s internal organs. Sound waves are normally converted to electrical waves.
Electrical impulses are converted into detailed images of the heart (or blood vessels). After the end of the test, the information is given to your cardiologist for review. In some patients, the tissues of the body or limbs may block the clear vision of the heart. The sonographer may inject the comparison dye to improve visibility. A transesophageal echocardiogram is required if this does not work.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): How It Works?
Transesophageal echocardiograms are more common than this. They are often used when good visibility is not achieved through TTE. Here’s how the procedure works:
Eating or drinking is not allowed within six hours before the test. Only water is allowed up to two hours before the test. If your doctor’s instructions are different, follow his instructions. Electrodes are often connected to your chest. These are then connected to an electrocardiograph monitor. Scarves for blood pressure and pulse oximeter will also be connected to your body. A local anesthetic will be used to clear your throat. IV will be given for relaxation. (You will stay awake)
While lying on your left side, a small, flexible endoscope is passed around your neck. While this may be uncomfortable, it should not be painful and affect your breathing. Once placed, the transducer, which is placed at the end of the endoscope, is adjusted to take various images into your heart. This complete process of echocardiography in Sydney takes about an hour and a half. After the test is completed, your cardiologist may explain the results.
