Echo
Your physician can check the overall function of your heart with a simple in-office test known as an echocardiogram. The expert practitioners at CareFirst Wellness Associates offer comprehensive echo evaluations. Book your exam by clicking on the online scheduler, or by calling your nearest clinic directly.
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An echocardiogram, or echo for short, evaluates the pumping actions of your heart to determine if your heart is functioning normally, by using high-frequency ultrasound waves. Your doctor may order an echo test for you if they suspect any of the following conditions.
Arrhythmia
Valve disease
Myocardial disease
Coronary artery disease
Congenital heart disease
Abnormalities in your heart chambers
In some cases, an echo is simply a routine test that’s recommended before going in for surgery, or as part of your preventive health care screening plan.
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An echo test is quick and painless and doesn’t require you to make any special preparations. Once you arrive for your echocardiogram at CareFirst Wellness Associates, you may be given a hospital gown to wear, just to give your practitioner access to multiple areas on your body.
During your test, you need to lie on your left side. Your technician places sticky electrode patches on your upper body to gather information about your heart’s electrical currents. After applying a small amount of clear gel to your skin to improve picture clarity, your practitioner glides a wand over several areas of your chest.
Depending on your specific echo test, you might need to change positions several times to allow your technician to take pictures of various areas of your heart. The echo test often takes less than 15 minutes, and your report is sent to your doctor immediately.
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Your dedicated physician at CareFirst Wellness Associates might meet with you shortly after your echocardiogram to give you information about your results. In some cases though, they need to find out lab results or gather additional testing information before providing you with your echo results. In either case, because you can get your echocardiogram in the same facility where your physician practices, you won’t have to wait long to get your results.
If you’re in need of an echo test, book an evaluation at CareFirst Wellness Associates today. Click on the online booking feature or call your nearest location to speak with a team member.
