Echocardiograms

Lipid disorders occur when cholesterol or triglyceride levels are higher or lower than they should be, often without causing noticeable symptoms. At AssociatesMD, with locations in Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Weston, Margate, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the experienced healthcare professionals can help. Schedule an appointment today by phone or online to assess your heart health and discuss personalized treatment options.

What are echocardiograms?

An echocardiogram (or an echo) is a safe, noninvasive imaging test that your AssociatesMD provider can use to see your heart’s structure, evaluate how well it pumps blood, and assess the function of the heart valves and chambers.

Unlike an X-ray, an echocardiogram uses no radiation. Instead, it uses ultrasound technology to provide real-time images of your heart in motion. Echocardiograms can help diagnose and monitor a variety of heart conditions and provide valuable information about your overall cardiovascular health.

What are the benefits of an echocardiogram?

Some of the key benefits of an echocardiogram include:

• Noninvasive and painless testing
• No exposure to radiation
• Real-time images of the heart
• Evaluation of heart valve function
• Assessment of heart muscle strength
• Detection of structural heart abnormalities
• Monitoring of existing heart conditions

Because heart disease often develops gradually, an echocardiogram can help the team spot issues before they become more serious.

When do I need an echocardiogram?

Common reasons for an echocardiogram include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Heart murmurs
• Swelling in the legs or feet
• Dizziness or fainting
• Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
• Unexplained fatigue

An echocardiogram may also be used to monitor known conditions, such as:

• Heart valve disease
• Heart failure
• Congenital heart defects
• Previous heart attacks

In some cases, the team may order one after an abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG) or other cardiac screening test.

People with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, or a family history of heart disease may also benefit from heart evaluations when recommended by their healthcare provider.

What can I expect at an echocardiogram appointment?

An echocardiogram usually takes 30-60 minutes. You lie comfortably on an examination table while a trained technician applies a small amount of gel to your chest then moves a handheld device called a transducer across the area. 

The transducer sends sound waves into your body and receives echoes that the monitor converts into images. Once done, your provider reviews the images and discusses the results with you.

An echocardiogram can evaluate heart health and detect potential problems early, so if you have cardiovascular concerns, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with AssociatesMD today by phone or online.