Echocardiography Services

Family Physicians of Spartanburg Echocardiography services, administered by our trained sonographer, are used to look at your heart’s structure and check how well it is working.  Echocardiography, also called an echo test or heart ultrasound, is a test that takes “moving pictures” of the heart with sound waves. We are able to perform an echocardiography onsite at the point-of-care providing immediate results and assistance to the practitioner in diagnosing and determining heart conditions.

Why do I need an Echocardiogram?

Your provider may suggest an Echocardiogram if they determine possible conditions or symptoms if:

• You have a heart murmur.
• You’ve had a heart attack
• You have unexplained chest pains
• You’ve had rheumatic fever
• You have a congenital heart defect.

What can the Echocardiogram test show?

• The size and shape of your heart
• How well your heart is working overall
• If a wall or section of heart muscle is weak and not working correctly
• If you have problems with your heart’s valves
• If you have a blood clot

Types of Echocardiograms available at Family Physicians of Spartanburg

Transthoracic echocardiogram. This is a standard, noninvasive echocardiogram. A technician (sonographer) spreads gel on your chest and then presses a device known as a transducer firmly against your skin, aiming an ultrasound beam through your chest to your heart. The transducer records the sound wave echoes from your heart. A computer converts the echoes into moving images on a monitor.

Transesophageal echocardiogram. If it’s difficult to get a clear picture of your heart with a standard echocardiogram or if there is reason to see the heart and valves in more detail, your doctor may recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram.

Doppler echocardiogram. When sound waves bounce off blood cells moving through your heart and blood vessels, they change pitch. These changes (Doppler signals) can help your doctor measure the speed and direction of the blood flow in your heart.

Stress echocardiogram. Some heart problems — particularly those involving the coronary arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle — occur only during physical activity.

To schedule an Echocardiogram appointment contact our team today and let us assist with you and your family’s health and wellness.