Results
An echocardiogram is a type of
test that uses high-pitched sound waves
that are sent through a device called a transducer. The device picks up echoes
of the sound waves as they bounce off the different parts of your heart. These
echoes are turned into moving pictures of your heart that can be seen on a
video screen.
Results are usually available within a week. If the
test is done by a cardiologist, the results may be available immediately after
the test.
Echocardiogram| Normal: | The heart chambers
and walls of the heart are of normal size and thickness, and they move
normally. |
|---|
Heart valves are
working normally, with no leaks or narrowing. There is no sign of
infection. |
The amount of
blood pumped from the left ventricle with each heartbeat (ejection fraction) is
more than 55%. |
There is no excess
fluid in the sac surrounding the heart, and the lining around the heart is not
thickened. |
There are no tumors and blood clots in the
heart chambers. |
|
Abnormal: | Heart chambers are
too big. The walls of the heart are thicker or thinner than normal. A thin
heart wall may mean poor blood flow to the heart muscle or an old heart attack.
A thin, bulging area of the heart wall may indicate a bulge in the ventricle
(ventricular aneurysm). The heart muscle walls do not move normally because of
a decreased blood supply from narrowed coronary arteries. |
|---|
One or more heart valves do not open or
close properly (are leaking) or do not look normal. Signs of infection are
present. |
The amount of
blood pumped from the left ventricle with each heartbeat (ejection fraction) is
less than 55%. |
There is fluid
around the heart (pericardial effusion). The lining around the heart is too
thick. |
A tumor or blood
clot may be found in the heart. |