With the addition of three-dimensional echocardiography, the newest form of echocardiography available, Archbold’s Loudermilk Heart and Vascular Center has added another tool to their list of diagnostic cardiology services to help diagnose heart disease.
Echocardiography, also called an echo test or heart ultrasound, is a painless test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures, or sonograms, of your heart. These pictures show how well a heart’s chambers and valves are working. Your doctor may recommend an echocardiogram if they suspect problems with the valves or chambers of the heart, or if heart problems are the cause for symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
“The new three-dimensional echocardiography technology will be used to better assess the function of the heart by imaging the valves in ways that were previously not possible,” said Archbold cardiologist Bob Miles, MD.
The non-invasive test gives doctors a clear, 3D view of the cardiac chambers, valves and ventricles to help diagnose any structural or functional cardiac abnormalities.
“The previous 2D echocardiography technology limited our view of the heart,” said Dr. Miles. “With the 3D technology, we can now see the heart from all angles. We get better images of the patients’ heart, which helps us have a greater understanding of what is truly going on with patient, and allows us to provide even better care.”
During an echocardiogram, doctors analyze the size of the heart and the heart’s pumping strength. They will also determine if there is any damage to the heart muscle or heart valves or abnormal connections between the heart and major blood vessels. Treatment depends on what is found during the exam, and the patient’s specific symptoms.
For more information on three-dimensional echocardiography at Archbold, call the Loudermilk Heart and Vascular Center at 229.228.2427.