echocardiogram

ech·o·car·di·o·gram (k-kärd--grm)

n.

A visual record produced by echocardiography.

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Echocardiogram

A non-invasive ultrasound test that shows an image of the inside of the heart. An echocardiogram can be performed to identify any structural problems which cause a heart murmur.

Mentioned in: Aortic Valve Stenosis, Atrial Septal Defect, Electrophysiology Study of the Heart, Heart Murmurs, Heart Transplantation, Heart Valve Repair, Pericardiocentesis, Pericarditis, Ventricular Septal Defect

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echocardiogram

[ek′ōkär′dē·əgram′]

Etymology: Gk, echo, sound, kardia, heart, gramma, record

a graphic outline of the movements of heart structures produced by ultrasonography.

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echocardiogram,

n a visual representation, produced through ultrasound waves, of the heart's structure and movement.

Ecchymosis.

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echocardiogram

the record produced by echocardiography.

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Patient discussion about echocardiogram.

Q. My mother had a chest pain and she was sent for a TEE. When do you need a TEE and when a normal echo is fine? My mother had a chest pain few weeks ago. we were sure its a heart attack and went to the ER. There the doctors did some tests and she was sent for a (trans thoracic echocardiogram) TEE. I want to know when do you need a TEE and when you can do just a normal echocardiogram because the TEE was very painful for her and we want to know if ther was a better way.

A. The main difference between TEE and normal echo is that in TEE u put the transducer directly in the esophagus. The transducer is the same and the idea is to put it as close as possible to the heart.
As far as I know there are some heart situations the TEE is better for diagnosis that normal echo. Maybe your mom had one of those situations?
I can recommend you to ask the ER doctor. he will probably be able to give a better explanation for his choice

Q. I am scheduled for a TEE and i am very scared. what is exactly going to happen there? I am scheduled for a Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) for my heart valve problem and i am very scared. what is exactly going to happen there to me? I understand i need to swallow somthing and I am not sure I'll be able to do it. I have a strong gag reflex. can someone tell me what I can do to reduce the fear?

A. During a TEE you will be requested to swallow something that looks like a big chocolate kiss. This is all the swallowing that is involved. It is not fun, and me too have a strong gag reflex. I asked the doctor to let me watch the TEE of the guy that was before me in the line. After I saw how this test is done it was easier for me.
(Don't get me wrong, you will want to puke but you will be able to handle this urge)