Echocardiograms in Staten Island, NY
Heart issues are common concerns in the United States. Though they may lead to severe health complications, most heart conditions can be effectively treated or managed with expert medical care. Richmond University Medical Center in Staten Island, New York, offers a comprehensive suite of cardiovascular imaging tests, including echocardiograms, for accurate heart condition diagnoses. Learn more about how this testing helps us devise effective treatment plans so patients can stay healthy.
What Is an Echocardiogram?
Echocardiograms are one of the most used diagnostic tools at our Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and outpatient cardiology facilities through our Richmond Health Network. This non-invasive cardiology test emits high-energy ultrasound waves. The waves reflect off structures in the heart, creating an echo interpreted by advanced machinery to generate an image of the heart.
Echocardiogram images allow physicians to examine the heart’s structure and function without surgery. This makes them effective tools for diagnosing a variety of conditions, including:
- Valve disorders
- Myocardial and pericardial inflammation
- Infective endocarditis
- Cardiac masses
- Congenital heart disorders
Echocardiograms are often administered alone, but in some cases, they may be used alongside other tests to ensure a more accurate diagnosis.
What to Expect During an Echocardiogram
On the day of an echocardiogram, patients are encouraged to wear a shirt that will be easy to remove. The standard procedure follows these simple steps:
- The patient undresses from the waist up and lies on an examination bed.
- The technician applies a safe, conductive gel to the skin.
- The technician presses a hand-held wand, called a transducer, to the patient’s chest.
Transesophageal echocardiogram is a variation of the procedure that can deliver more precise images. Patients can wear what they choose, though they may be asked not to eat for several hours beforehand. Its steps are slightly different:
- The patient’s throat is numbed, and they are given a sedative to promote relaxation.
- A tube containing a small transducer is guided down the throat.
In either procedure, the transducer emits sound waves and records their echoes as images. This is painless and usually takes less than an hour. Afterward, the patient will schedule a follow-up appointment with their cardiologist to discuss test results and treatment options.
When to Undergo an Echocardiogram
Richmond University Medical Center uses echocardiograms to diagnose cardiovascular conditions. Many heart conditions may lead to serious health complications if they are not identified and addressed promptly. As a result, effective diagnostic tools are vital to ensuring a person’s long-term well-being. Patients should speak with a cardiologist if they experience any symptoms of heart disease:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations, or irregular heartbeats
- Swelling in the legs
Echocardiograms may also be used as monitoring tools. This is recommended for patients experiencing no symptoms but may be at risk of developing a heart condition. Risk factors for heart disease include:
- Diabetes
- Existing heart conditions
- Family history of heart conditions
- Heavy smoking or alcohol use
- High stress
- High cholesterol
Routine screenings allow at-risk patients to detect heart conditions as they develop, allowing treatment or management to begin as early as possible.
Schedule Cardiology Testing Today in Staten Island, NY
Echocardiograms and other cardiovascular imaging tests are valuable tools for diagnosing heart conditions. Richmond University Medical Center follows up diagnoses with cutting-edge treatments, including vascular surgery at The Vascular Institute, to help patients achieve the best treatment outcomes. Contact us in Staten Island, NY, to learn more about our cardiology services or to make an appointment for echocardiogram testing.