Heart problems are no joke. Our hearts are one of our two most important organs, and when heart problems occur, the consequences can be extremely dangerous if not lethal. For medical practitioners around Miami, having an echocardiogram machine means having an effective way to help identify heart-related issues a patient may be experiencing. At Integra Medical Systems, we distribute ultrasound machines to medical facilities and are experts in the functions of these devices. While commonly associated with viewing the fetus during pregnancy, there are other functionalities too. A heart ultrasound can help doctors examine the heart to identify what kind of problems it may be encountering, such as perhaps a bad heart valve. Have questions about echocardiography? We have the answers.

What is Echocardiography?

Often referred to as an echo, an echocardiogram will use ultrasound to take pictures of the patient’s heart. Echoes we normally think about occur when sound bounces off the walls of the space we’re in, and echocardiography works the same way–taking moving images of the heart by bouncing sound waves off of it. This gives us an opportunity to see details about the heart and discover what may be causing the problem.

Heart Ultrasound Questions

• How is an echo performed?
  • Ultrasounds are fairly simple in how they’re performed. An ultrasound wand is used to send sound waves through your body. A special gel is applied to it, and the wand is then placed against the body over wherever needs to be examined (in this case, over the heart.) The device sends out high-pitched sound waves which are then translated onto a monitor to display moving images of the organ. A transesophageal echocardiography might be used in some cases; this means the ultrasound device will go down the patient’s throat (with some numbing and medication).
• Why would someone need an echo?
  • If a patient is experiencing heart problems, an echo is an easy and effective way of diagnosing those problems. This gives the doctor an opportunity to see more details of the organ and identify the cause behind the condition.
• What can be learned from an echo?
  • When performing an echocardiography, a doctor will be looking for a few key things: If the heart muscle moves normally, if enough blood is pumping, if the heart is enlarged, if the heart valves are working normally, and if any fluids are building up around the organ.
  • Are there any side effects?
• Are there any side effects?
  • In the event the patient requires a transesophageal echocardiography, their throat will likely be a little sore afterward, but otherwise there are no side effects to an echo.

Contact Us for An Echocardiogram Machine

A patient suffering from heart conditions may require a heart ultrasound to identify the root cause. For this reason, it’s important to consider adding an echocardiogram machine to your facility. We at Integra Medical Systems are a specialized distributor of ultrasound machines in Miami, FL, and we can help supply you with the machine best suited for your needs. To learn more about ultrasounds, or to get one in your office, contact us today for information.