Cardiac Sonography
Cardiac sonography is also called echocardiography or transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). This process is used in conjunction with resting EKG's, treadmill EKG stress tests and cardiac catherization.
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Function
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Cardiac sonography is used to diagnose heart conditions and to monitor known heart conditions.
Features
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Cardiac sonography is performed by placing gel and a probe called a transducer against the chest. The transducer sends out high-frequency sound waves to create still or video images of the heart.
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Risks/Side Effects
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There are no risks or side effects from this procedure since it is completely noninvasive. The sound waves have no immediate or lasting harmful effects on the body.
Cardiac Sonographers
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Echocardiograms are performed by trained technicians called cardiac sonographers. They send the recorded images to a cardiologist who interprets them.
Time Frame
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The time it takes to perform a cardiac echo depends on several factors including the health condition of the patient and how well he is able to lie still. The test can last roughly 15 minutes to an hour.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit heart image by jim from Fotolia.com