Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound) Specialist

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram, or echo, is a diagnostic test involving the use of sound waves to create detailed images of your heart. The test enables Dr. Dubroff to see your heart beating and pumping blood.

An echocardiogram can reveal changes in the size of your heart, the pumping strength of your heart, problems with the valves, certain heart defects, and any damage to the heart muscle.

Why would I need an echocardiogram?

Dr. Dubroff uses echocardiograms to diagnose heart disease and assess your heart health. If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms like extreme fatigue, chest pain, and/or shortness of breath, Dr. Dubroff could recommend an echocardiogram.

How does an echocardiogram work?

Dr. Dubroff can suggest different types of echocardiograms.

Transthoracic echocardiogram

A transthoracic echocardiogram is a standard type of echocardiogram where Dr. Dubroff or a technician (sonographer) spreads gel onto a device (transducer) and presses the transducer firmly against your skin to direct ultrasound beams through your chest to your heart.

Sound wave echoes from your heart are recorded by the transducer and transmitted to a computer that effectively converts the echoes into moving images on a special monitor.

Transesophageal echocardiogram

If it’s difficult to get a clear picture of your heart or to get more detailed images, a transesophageal echocardiogram might be necessary. This involves numbing your throat with a special medical spray and administering a mild sedative through an IV that helps you to relax. 

Dr. Dubroff carefully inserts a flexible tube containing a transducer down your throat and into your esophagus, the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach.

Doppler echocardiogram

A Doppler echocardiogram more specifically looks at the speed and direction of your blood flow through the chambers and vessels of your heart. Your heart’s activity is captured by a computer that projects the Doppler measurements for Dr. Dubroff to evaluate.

Stress echocardiogram

Some heart problems only happen during physical activity. In a stress echocardiogram, Dr. Dubroff captures ultrasound images before and after you walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike.

If you can’t exercise, Dr. Dubroff can inject a medication to make your heart pump harder as it would if you were exercising. Stress testing is performed at a different site with Dr. Dubroff.

What can I expect after my echocardiogram?

Most echocardiograms can be completed in an hour or less. In most cases, you can get back to your day immediately after your echocardiogram. However, after a transesophageal echocardiogram, you might need to be monitored for a few hours.

Shine a light on your heart health by calling Brighton Beach Medical Group.