It is a diagnostic method that is performed using equipment called an echocardiograph, which works based on the physical principles of ultrasound (very high frequency sounds not perceived by the human ear). The equipment emits ultrasonic sound waves that, when entering the chest, collide and are reflected from the different cardiac structures, allowing immediate observation of the animated image of the heart, to determine the size, shape, and functioning of the different cardiac structures and the large arterial vessels. .
One of the most important evaluations that echocardiography allows is the measurement of the ejection fraction of the heart, which corresponds to the volume of blood that is expelled during each cardiac contraction, allowing the cardiovascular diagnosis to be established.
For the study, the patient lies on a stretcher on his left side, electrodes are placed on his chest, which are connected by leads or leads to an electrocardiograph, which monitors the heart rate during the study. Following this, a conductive gel is applied to the left side of your chest and a transducer is placed that is held firmly and moves over this area, so that animated images are obtained that provide precise information on the state and function of the heart.
This study can take around 20 to 30 minutes, is painless, does not require prior preparation and does not entail any risk for the patient.
We currently have the most advanced technology available worldwide, which allows evaluating the heart and its structures in two (2D) and three dimensions (3D), in real time using one or several heartbeats (4D), providing more reliable information. , precise and reproducible of the form and function of the different cardiac structures, being especially useful in the evaluation of the heart valves and in the study of the functioning of both ventricles (left and right), providing in a very exact way and not surpassed by no other non-invasive method, information on the size of cavities as well as the size and contractility of the heart muscle.
We also have new advanced diagnostic tools that allow us to automatically and accurately assess cardiac function, allowing us to discover abnormalities in cardiac muscle function not observed when using traditional echocardiography equipment.
- Arrive 15 minutes before the assigned appointment time.
- You must have at least 2 hours.
- Submit an identification document (Civil Registry, Identity Card, Citizenship Card, Immigration Certificate or Passport), health entity card, medical order and/or authorization.
- Submit: medical history, current medication formula and previously performed tests.
- Bring the money corresponding to the value of the moderating fee or the value of the particular appointment, as appropriate.
- If the patient is a minor, over 60 years of age or has any special condition, they must attend with (1) a companion.
- Any kind of accessory around your neck that could interfere with the procedure should be removed.
- It is not necessary to suspend any type of medication unless it has been indicated by your treating physician.
- Do not ingest caffeine, energy drinks, alcoholic beverages or smoke 24 hours prior to the exam.
- You should not use creams, powders, oils, colognes, in the chest area as this can interfere with the measurement.
- It is important to inform the doctor of the presence of a pacemaker if it is the case.
- In men with a lot of hair, it is advisable to shave the chest area to be able to record a better image.
It doesn’t have any side effects.