Echocardiography allows doctors to visualize the anatomy, structure and function of the heart. It can quickly diagnose the presence and severity of heart valve problems, as well help determine abnormal blood flow within the heart, which can occur due to heart disease. Using sound wave or Doppler, this window to the heart enables the doctors to diagnose a number of cardiovascular diseases, so proper treatment can begin.

An echocardiogram is a safe, noninvasive procedure used to diagnose cardiovascular disease. It uses high-frequency sound waves and color flow technology to literally see all four chambers of the heart, the heart valves, the great blood vessels entering and leaving the heart, as well as the sac around the heart.

The Lab staff of Cardiovascular Associates’ consists of ultrasound sonographers, nurses, exercise technicians, and other technical support staff, who are all highly trained in their field to perform the following types of echo tests:

Echocardiogram (also referred to as regular echo, 2D echo, surface echo, or transthoracic echo)
an imaging test that uses harmless sound waves to show how well your heart muscle and valves are working. This test is useful in patients with complaints of shortness of breath, chest pain, exercise intolerance, syncope, & palpitations.

Contrast Echocardiogram
This procedure combines an echocardiogram with the administration, through a vein, of a sterile contrast solution, which enhances images of the inside of the heart.

Dobutamine stress echo (also referred to as DSE)
This test is designed for patients who are unable to exercise on a treadmill. A drug called dobutamine is administered intravenously until the patient reaches his or her target heart rate. Blood pressure and EKG are monitored throughout the test. Ultrasound images of the heart are taken at rest, during the medication infusion, and then at peak heart rate.

Stress echocardiogram (also referred to as stress echo, exercise stress echo, or SE)
This test is performed to evaluate exercise tolerance and assess change in heart function, which can indicate there is a blockage in one of the coronary arteries. The patient will walk on a treadmill until they reach their target heart rate. Blood pressure and heart rate are monitored throughout the test.

Transesophogal Echo (also called a TEE)

What does this test evaluate?