What does it show us?- An echocardiogram (echo) uses ultrasound to image the heart in real time. Once we have an image of your heart, we can then measure all four chambers, the heart walls, and also evaluate all four heart valves.
- Why do we do echoes?
- We can use the information provided from an echo to assess the day to day function of the heart (i.e., how much blood the heart is pumping with each beat). Murmurs are a common occurrence in that doctors often hear them with a stethoscope. Echo is a unique tool that allows us to visualize the murmur and evaluate its severity.
- What can the patient expect?
- An Echocardiogram is a very simple, but useful diagnostic tool. The technician will ask you to lie on your left side while we acquire the images necessary to complete the study. Small amounts of water-based gel and a few stickers will be placed on your upper body. The entire test usually takes between twenty and thirty minutes.
Your Heart and Health Disease Consult
Recent News
Daughter’s birth breaks mom’s heart — literally
by JANET ST. JAMES PLANO — Parents often joke that their kids give them a heart attack. But for some new and expectant mothers, it's no joke. A North Texas couple is bringing attention to a rare, but known heart complication of pregnancy. When Karieana Karhu was born in late … [Read More...]
Karhu Family Story
The Karhu family were special guests at a patient reunion celebration on February 3rd. New mom,Suzanne, suffered a heart attack two weeks after giving birth to baby girl, Kariana. The cause was a rare complication known as coronary artery dissection. Pictured here with Cardiologist, Dr. Mordecai … [Read More...]
US/Central – Plano Putting Patients On Ice To Save Lives
Tracy Kornet PLANO (CBS 11 / TXA21)CBS News When someone has a heart attack the first thing medical professionals do is fight to save the heart. But that's only half the battle. Now a North Texas doctor has created a new system that is giving patients a better chance at regaining their normal … [Read More...]