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Echocardiogram Specialist

Louisiana Heart and Vascular

Interventional Cardiologists & Internal Medicine located in Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, Franklinton, and Slidell, LA

If you need diagnostic testing for shortness of breath or chest pain, the team at Louisiana Heart and Vascular in Covington, Louisiana, offers on-site echocardiogram services. Board-certified interventional cardiologist Farhad Aduli, MD, FACC, uses advanced echocardiogram testing to determine the root cause of unexplained symptoms that relate to a heart or vascular condition. To find out more about the diagnostic benefits of an echocardiogram, call Louisiana Heart and Vascular or schedule an appointment through the online booking feature today.

Echocardiogram Q & A

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart structures.

Using echocardiogram technology, Dr. Aduli can view your:

  • Veins
  • Arteries
  • Heart valves
  • Heart chambers

During an echocardiogram, Dr. Aduli applies gel on your skin to help the handheld transducer move smoothly over your chest. The transducer passes the sound waves painlessly through your skin and sends real-time images of your heart to an external monitor that Dr. Aduli watches throughout your procedure.

You can expect your cardiogram to take about 30-45 minutes, with the results available right away.

Why do I need an echocardiogram?

You may need an echocardiogram to diagnose unexplained symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

You may also require an echocardiogram to help Dr. Aduli evaluate:

  • Blood vessel health
  • Heart valve dysfunction
  • The size and shape of your heart
  • The thickness of your heart walls
  • How blood moves through your heart

An echocardiogram can also identify blood clots in the chambers of your heart or inflammation in the outer lining of your heart.

How do I prepare for an echocardiogram?

In general, there’s nothing special you need to do prior to your echocardiogram. The test doesn’t involve any invasive procedures, so there’s no need to take off extra time from work or limit your activities.

If you take medications, you should review them with Dr. Aduli prior to your echocardiogram. In many cases, you can expect to take your medicine as you normally would. You can also eat and drink before your test.

What happens after an echocardiogram?

Following your echocardiogram, Dr. Aduli reviews your test results and can discuss the need for treatment. In some cases, you may need additional diagnostic testing to further evaluate your condition or diagnose your symptoms.

An echocardiogram poses no risks to your health, and you can expect to return to your usual activities right away without any limitations.

To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of an echocardiogram, call Louisiana Heart and Vascular or request an appointment through the online booking system today.

We see patients from the following surrounding cities: Covington, Mandeville, and Slidell, LA. Call us to book your appointment today.