Echocardiography and Vascular Ultrasound Echocardiography video (1812 K)
Echocardiography and vascular ultrasound are two noninvasive procedures used in
cardiology to assess heart and blood vessel disorders. Both procedures use ultrasound
technology, which, although technically complex, is painless and involves no
radiation exposure. A technician places an ultrasound probe at various positions on
the chest and records images of the heart in motion for the physician to examine. The
images provide information about heart muscle function, valve function, chamber
dimensions, blood flow patterns, and pressures in the heart. The test takes
approximately one-half hour and is painless.
Carotid Doppler Ultrasound is a test that provides information on whether there is a
narrowing in the carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain. The technician
places an ultrasound probe on the neck to image the arteries themselves and blood
flow patterns within them. Narrowing of these arteries can result in stroke. The test
usually takes 30-45 minutes and is painless.
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