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Echocardiograms

An echocardiogram is a safe, non-invasive diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves (not detectable by the human ear) to produce images of the heart and its vessels. A modified microphone called a transducer directs sound waves at the heart's tissues. These sound waves bounce off the tissue, and are translated into a moving image on a computer screen. At NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, our cardiologists accurately diagnose structural or functional heart conditions using the most advanced imaging techniques, including:

M-mode echocardiograms, which provide information on the overall size of the heart and its chambers. These measurements can indicate problems with the heart's pumping ability. For example, persons with congestive heart failure have thickened ventricular walls and/or weakened heart contractions.

2-Dimensional echocardiograms, which provide information on the size, shape and movement of the heart. This type of echocardiogram can identify problems with the heart's valves and the pumping ability of its chambers. For example, persons with congestive heart failure have thickened ventricular walls and/or weakened heart contractions.

Doppler echocardiograms, which show the movement of blood through the heart's chambers and evaluate some aspects of heart muscle function in minute detail. This type of test can detect back-flow of blood or difficulty moving blood across a thickened heart valve — conditions that may indicate valvular disease.

Transesophageal echocardiograms. In transesophageal (transthoracic) echocardiograms, the transducer is placed against the skin of the chest. However, when fine details of the heart's structure need to be studied, or when looking for small blood clots in the heart's chambers, transesophageal echocardiography may be required. In this form of echocardiogram, the transducer is passed through the mouth and into the esophagus — which is located just behind the heart — so that a clearer picture of the heart can be obtained.

Exercise stress echocardiogram. With this test, ultrasound pictures of the heart are taken before and after exercise on a treadmill to determine if there might be any blockages of the arteries to the heart.

Dobutamine stress echocardiograms. This type of echocardiogram is designed for patients for whom an exercise stress test is not an option. In this test, a resting echocardiogram is performed. Then, dobutamine — a drug that causes the heart rate to increase — is introduced into the circulation, followed by a second echocardiogram. The results of these two tests are then compared to determine whether any areas of the heart are not pumping normally.