$Unique_ID{BRK01543}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests, Circulatory System}
$Title{Is an Echocardiogram Dangerous?}
$Subject{heart echocardiogram sound}
$Volume{P-3, G-3}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is an Echocardiogram Dangerous?


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QUESTION:  My mother recently had an echogram to test her heart but was unable
to tell us much about it, so I am turning to you for help.  Can you tell me if
the test was dangerous, and perhaps the reason the doctors had for doing the
test?  As you can tell I am very concerned and quite anxious.  Thank you for
your help.

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ANSWER:  The test is called an echocardiogram, and uses high frequency sound
waves to create a picture of the heart and its structures.  It is a
noninvasive procedure, which means that nothing is placed inside of the body
during the testing procedure, and is the same technique is used to observe
babies still in the womb.  As you can see it is a very safe test, with no side
effects or complications.  The patient lies down on the examining table and a
combination transmitter/ receiver is placed on her chest.  This instrument,
called a "transducer" sends the high frequency sound waves through the chest
to the heart, where they bounce back, and are received by the receiver.  The
returning waves are converted into a two-dimensional picture of the heart by
the computer that forms part of the system.  The image can either be projected
on a video screen, or stored on a computer disk for study at a later date.
Many facts may be learned from the test, the size and shapes of the chambers
of the heart, the thickness of the heart's muscular wall, the movement of the
wall, the functioning of the valves in the heart, and even the blood flow
through the heart.  Newer techniques permit this test to be used to evaluate
the results of various treatments used to dissolve clots in the heart and even
the outcome of surgical operations.  It even helps doctors to diagnose "silent
angina" a condition caused by reduced blood flow through the coronary arteries
that produces no symptoms.  With all these possibilities it is hard to be
precise about your mother's problem, but many cardiologists believe that
echocardiography should be used in evaluating anyone with coronary artery
disease.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
