Echocardiogram Specialist

TLC Medical Group Inc

Board Certified in Cardiovascular Diseases located in Port Saint Lucie, FL

If you have symptoms of a heart problem, you might need to undergo tests such as an echocardiogram. Board-certified cardiovascular expert Anthony Lewis, MD, FACC, of TLC Medical Group Inc in Port St. Lucie, Florida, uses echocardiograms to view the chambers, valves, and blood vessels in your heart and detect any abnormalities. For more information, call TLC Medical Group Inc or book an appointment online today.

772-200-3829

Echocardiogram Q & A

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic cardiac ultrasound scan that uses high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves build up a detailed representation of your heart that your provider at TLC Medical Group Inc views on a monitor.

For a standard echocardiogram, your expert technician uses a transducer (a hand-held device) to send out the sound waves, which you can neither hear nor feel. The sound waves penetrate your skin and underlying tissues, and then bounce back when they get to your heart.

The transducer picks up the echoing sound waves, which have different frequencies. The information goes back to the echocardiogram's computer software for translation, creating detailed images of your heart's chambers, valves, and blood vessels.

What is an echocardiogram used for?

TLC Medical Group Inc uses echocardiograms to help diagnose symptoms of heart disease and other cardiac conditions. Your provider can also detect problems such as:

Blood clots inside your heart
Holes between the chambers
Tumors or growths
Blood vessel abnormalities
Heart valve dysfunction

They can use the visual information an echocardiogram provides to assess the size and shape of your heart, the thickness of the muscle, how well it's pumping, and any problems with the lining of your heart.

What type of echocardiogram might I need?

Most patients have a transthoracic echocardiogram first. In this procedure, your technician passes the transducer over your chest while you're resting. If this type of echocardiogram doesn't help with your diagnosis, there are two other types your provider could use:

Transesophageal echocardiogram

If you have scar tissue or too much fat under the skin on your chest, the transthoracic echocardiogram might not create the clear, detailed images your provider needs.

Transesophageal echocardiogram gets the transducer right up next to your heart by passing it down your esophagus.

Stress echocardiogram

If a transthoracic echocardiogram doesn't find any problems with your heart, it might be that the issue is only detectable when you make your heart pump harder. A stress echocardiogram involves exercising on a treadmill to raise your heart rate.

If you're unable to exercise in this way, you can take medication that simulates the same effect.

To benefit from TLC Medical Group Inc's state-of-the-art echocardiogram facilities, call the office today or book an appointment online.

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