Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram: what types, how it’s done and more

Echocardiography is a test that captures the sound waves emitted by the heart and transforms them into images in order to diagnose various diseases of this organ. It is therefore an ultrasound method.

This test allows the diagnosis of a wide variety of heart diseases, such as those of the heart muscle that lead to dilation or hypertrophy of the organ, valve diseases such as reflux and stenosis, diseases responsible for reducing its contraction force, pericarditis and thoracic aortic aneurysms, for example.

In addition, Doppler echocardiography makes it possible to observe blood flow within the heart chambers and great vessels in real time, and is useful for detecting hemodynamic changes that are often missed in conventional exams. This detailed analysis helps cardiologists identify valve insufficiencies, arterial obstructions and even congenital malformations.

The great advantage of the test lies in its ability to provide an anatomical and functional view of the heart without the need for invasive procedures. This makes echocardiography one of the safest and most effective tools in modern cardiology, widely used both for diagnosis and for monitoring patients undergoing treatment.

Instituto Medicina em Foco performs echocardiograms in São Paulo (SP) with specialized staff and state-of-the-art technology, guaranteeing accurate reports and patient comfort.

Schedule your face-to-face appointment with a cardiologist for a clinical assessment and indication of the best type of echocardiogram at Instituto Medicina em Foco. Call +55 11 3289-3195.

Types of echocardiogram

Meet the Cardiologist at Instituto Medicina em Foco: Dr. Valessa Tanganelli

For those looking for a consultation with a cardiologist in São Paulo (SP), Instituto Medicina em Foco has the expertise of Dr. Valessa Tanganelli, a doctor recognized for her humanized, ethical and up-to-date work in the various areas of clinical cardiology.

Graduated from the Federal University of Rondônia (UNIR), Dr. Valessa Tanganelli did her residency in Internal Medicine at the Goiânia General Hospital, where she consolidated her clinical training. She is a member of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), which recognizes excellence in her field.

He specializes in Cardiology and Echocardiography at the Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology, one of the largest cardiology institutions in Brazil and Latin America.

He is also an active member of relevant medical societies, participates frequently in national and international scientific congresses and keeps constantly up to date with the latest global cardiology guidelines.

Its differentials include individualized welcome, active listening, valuing the doctor-patient bond and the use of modern tools for screening and controlling heart disease.

Her work focuses on women’s health, hypertension, dyslipidemia (high cholesterol), arrhythmias, heart failure, monitoring patients at high cardiovascular risk, and cardiac rehabilitation. She also advises on lifestyle changes with a focus on nutrition, physical exercise, stress management and sleep quality.

In her clinical practice, she offers personalized care with complete assessments and individualized care plans. She is qualified to carry out and interpret tests such as echocardiograms, Holter monitoring, ABPM and exercise tests, guaranteeing an accurate diagnosis and safe follow-up.

Its service is suitable for patients seeking preventive check-ups, as well as for those who have already been diagnosed with heart disease and need ongoing monitoring.

Operating in person at the unit located at Rua Frei Caneca, 1380, Consolação – São Paulo – SP – CEP 01307-000, it also carries out online consultations, providing convenience and welcome, regardless of the patient’s location.

Together with the team at Instituto Medicina em Foco, Dr. Valessa Tanganelli provides complete, patient-centered care, promoting cardiovascular health with science, empathy and commitment.

Schedule your appointment in person or online with a Cardiologist by calling +55 11 3289-3195 or visit the website: emfoco.med.br

Cardiologist appointment: when to go?

Seeing a cardiologist should be a priority for anyone with symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, excessive fatigue or a family history of heart disease. However, even asymptomatic patients should have a preventive assessment with a specialist.

The main reasons for seeking a face-to-face consultation with a cardiologist in São Paulo include:

• High blood pressure or high cholesterol.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Obesity or a sedentary lifestyle.
• Family history of heart attack or stroke.
• Age over 40, even without symptoms.
• Pre-operative assessment.
• Monitoring chronic diseases.

The best cardiologist is the one who offers active listening, up-to-date knowledge and personalized approaches. At Instituto Medicina em Foco, we have an experienced team ready to offer comprehensive care with a focus on prevention and early diagnosis.

Schedule your appointment with a cardiologist in São Paulo (SP) by calling +55 11 3289-3195 and take care of your heart safely.

How is an echocardiogram performed?

As previously mentioned, the test uses sound waves to check the health of the heart. In other words, the device used to carry out the test is an ultrasound.

It is a non-invasive test and to perform it, the doctor must position the patient on their stomach and then use a transducer device on the patient’s chest.

This device is capable of generating images of the heart, which the doctor will examine.

Preparing for a transthoracic echocardiogram is usually simple: the patient just needs to wear comfortable clothes. In versions such as the transesophageal echocardiogram, fasting and the presence of a companion may be necessary, as the test involves light sedation.

During the procedure, the cardiologist analyzes the functioning of the heart in real time, assessing the size of the cavities, the thickness of the walls, the functioning of the heart valves and the presence of changes in blood flow. In Doppler examinations, it is even possible to see if there is reflux or obstructions in the valves.

The test is painless, takes an average of 20 to 40 minutes and can be carried out safely in an outpatient setting. It is indicated both for routine assessments and in specific situations, such as investigation of heart murmurs, control of heart disease and pre-surgery for non-cardiac surgeries.

At Instituto Medicina em Foco, you can count on a modern structure, humanized care and the best cardiology specialists in São Paulo (SP).

Want to know more about the test? Schedule your appointment online or in person with a cardiologist at Instituto Medicina em Foco and get all your questions answered: +55 11 3289-3195.

Types of echocardiogram

Transthoracic echocardiogram with color Doppler

This is the type most requested by doctors because it is easy to carry out and because it is not an invasive test, and no preparation is required to carry it out.

The patient is positioned on a stretcher with the chest undressed, where the echocardiographer will slide a gel-soaked transducer to capture all the images necessary for a correct assessment of the heart structurally and functionally.

This modality is also called transthoracic echocardiography and can be complemented with doppler echocardiography to assess blood flow in real time. Doppler technology makes it possible to identify the direction and speed of the flow, helping to diagnose valve insufficiencies, congenital heart disease and alterations in the heart chambers.

This type of echocardiogram is ideal for monitoring patients with high blood pressure, heart murmurs, chest pain, family history of cardiovascular disease and preoperative assessment. Because it is affordable, fast and highly effective, it has become the standard test in clinical cardiology routine.

At Instituto Medicina em Foco, exams are carried out with modern equipment and highly qualified staff, guaranteeing the best diagnostic quality in comfort and safety. We are located at Rua Frei Caneca, 1380, Consolação, São Paulo – SP, CEP 01307-000.

Schedule your transthoracic echocardiogram with Doppler in São Paulo (SP) with cardiology specialists at Instituto Medicina em Foco. Call +55 11 3289-3195.

Transesophageal echocardiogram

For the transesophageal echocardiogram, a fast of at least 6 hours is required to prevent nausea and vomiting during the examination, as well as the presence of a companion over the age of 18.

An ultrasound probe is introduced through the patient’s throat after adequate sedation administered by the anesthesiologist.

This type of echocardiogram allows for a more accurate assessment of the structures already visualized in the transthoracic echocardiogram. It is especially indicated in the search for infective endocarditis, intracardiac thrombi and valve prostheses. It is also widely used in intraoperative monitoring of cardiac surgery and percutaneous valvuloplasty procedures.

Because it provides clearer images without interference from the chest wall or lungs, transesophageal echocardiography is often the preferred choice when transthoracic examination does not provide enough information for an accurate diagnosis.

In addition, it is essential in cases where the patient has poor conditions for external examinations, such as in individuals with severe obesity, thoracic deformities or lung diseases that hinder the propagation of ultrasound waves. In these situations, the transesophageal examination becomes an indispensable tool for the cardiologist.

Another relevant point is its use in preoperative assessments and in deciding which type of cardiac surgery is best. The clarity of the images obtained also allows for safer control in invasive procedures, such as implanting prosthetic valves, closing atrial septal defects and clipping mitral valves.

Transesophageal echocardiography requires a hospital environment or clinic with adequate facilities, where safe sedation and continuous monitoring can be guaranteed. Adequate preparation and the presence of a multidisciplinary team make the test safe even for patients with comorbidities.

This test is indicated both for diagnostic purposes and for intraoperative control. In heart surgery, for example, it allows the surgeon to visualize in real time the results of procedures such as valve replacement or the correction of congenital defects.

This examination is carried out by a specialized team in a controlled environment, with anesthetic support and continuous monitoring. Light sedation ensures patient comfort and safety throughout the assessment.

After the examination, the patient should remain under observation until the effects of the sedation have completely worn off. It is recommended that the patient returns to normal activities the following day and that they follow all the medical advice they have received.

If you need a transesophageal echocardiogram in São Paulo (SP), make an appointment with a cardiologist at Instituto Medicina em Foco.

Do you need a transesophageal echocardiogram in São Paulo (SP)? Make an appointment with a cardiologist at Instituto Medicina em Foco.

Stress echocardiography

Stress echocardiography aims to evaluate the heart’s behavior under stress in order to non-invasively assess significant obstructions in the coronary arteries, the presence of symptoms in severe valve stenosis and the degree of obstruction in individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

It is especially indicated for patients with chest pain of uncertain origin, alterations in tests such as electrocardiograms or scintigraphy, and in the investigation of symptoms such as tiredness, shortness of breath and palpitations in individuals at increased cardiovascular risk.

There are 2 subtypes of stress echocardiography:

• Echocardiogram with physical stress: in this case, the patient is put on an exercise test and then lays on a stretcher so that the echocardiographer can analyze the images of the heart with greater force and heart rate. no fasting or presence of a companion is required.
• Echocardiogram with pharmacological stress: this subtype uses injectable medications to simulate physical activity by raising the heart rate and the force of contraction of the heart. Images are then obtained and analyzed in search of a diagnostic conclusion. The patient must be fasting for at least 6 hours and have a companion over the age of 18 present.

Both tests provide valuable images that help the cardiologist identify areas of the myocardium with low blood supply, allowing early diagnosis of angina, silent ischemia and other cardiac dysfunctions.

These tests are also essential when assessing patients who have already undergone coronary interventions, such as angioplasty and stent placement. Stress echocardiography allows you to check whether circulation has improved or whether there are still areas of ischemia.

In addition, the test can be used to assess the efficacy of drugs in use, making it a very effective therapeutic monitoring tool. When repeated over time, it makes it possible to check the patient’s clinical progress and adjust the treatment plan.

Schedule your echocardiogram with stress at the Instituto Medicina em Foco in São Paulo (SP) by calling +55 11 3289-3195.

What diseases can I find out about when I take the test?

There are many diagnostic possibilities when performing echocardiograms. Some of them are

• Diseases of the heart valves;
• Heart failure;
• Diseases of the pericardium (the membrane lining the heart);
• Congenital diseases;
• Tumors;
• Endocarditis etc

This test is essential for patients with a family history of heart disease, symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations or for follow-up after heart surgery.

Do you have heart symptoms or history? Make an appointment with a cardiologist in São Paulo (SP) and have your test carried out with the security of Instituto Medicina em Foco.

Routine cardiology tests: beyond echocardiography

The echocardiogram is one of the main imaging tests in cardiology, but it is part of a set of assessments that can be requested during a consultation with a cardiologist in São Paulo (SP).

Knowing about these tests is fundamental to understanding the importance of complete heart health monitoring.

Here are the main complementary tests that can be carried out in conjunction with the echocardiogram:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG): records the electrical activity of the heart and helps to detect arrhythmias, overloads and signs of a heart attack.
• Exercise test (stress test): evaluates the behavior of the heart during physical activity and is very useful in investigating chest pain.
• ABPM (Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring): indicated for diagnosing hypertension and controlling the effectiveness of medication.
• 24-hour Holter monitoring: monitors heartbeats over the course of a day, allowing the diagnosis of arrhythmias not detected in short-term tests.
• Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: indicated in more complex cases, when it is necessary to assess the structures of the heart in more detail.

These tests, combined with Doppler echocardiography or transesophageal echocardiography, offer a broad view of cardiac function and enable a more effective therapeutic plan.

At Instituto Medicina em Foco, all tests are carried out with state-of-the-art equipment, reports issued by specialist cardiologists and a complete structure at Rua Frei Caneca, 1380 – Consolação – São Paulo – SP – CEP 01307-000.

Need a complete check-up with the best cardiologists in São Paulo (SP)? Schedule your appointment in person or online with Instituto Medicina em Foco by calling +55 11 3289-3195.

Why choose Instituto Medicina em Foco for your echocardiogram?

Instituto Medicina em Foco is a reference in diagnostic imaging and cardiology care in São Paulo (SP). With a privileged location at Rua Frei Caneca, 1380 – Consolação – SP – CEP 01307-000, the clinic combines comfort, technology and a highly qualified team to offer the best medical care.

Among the differentials, the following stand out:

• State-of-the-art echocardiogram equipment.
• Face-to-face or online consultations with a specialized cardiologist.
• Easy scheduling and unbureaucratic service.
• Integrated multi-professional team to ensure complete care.

Patient care goes beyond technology. The team at Instituto Medicina em Foco values welcoming, active listening and an individualized care plan, taking each patient’s goals into account.

Whether it’s for a cardiology check-up, a preventive consultation, a routine examination or to monitor heart disease, the Institute is prepared to offer diagnostic security with fast results and precise medical advice.

Schedule your appointment with a cardiologist in São Paulo or your echocardiogram now by calling +55 11 3289-3195 or at emfoco.med.br.

Scheduling an echocardiogram in São Paulo

Finally, remember that the Instituto Medicina em Foco offers the best specialist doctors with a focus on humanized, inclusive, fast and effective medical treatment.

Our unit is located at Rua Frei Caneca, 1380, Consolação – São Paulo – SP – CEP 01307-000, with a complete structure for echocardiogram exams.

We offer:

• Face-to-face and online consultations with a cardiologist.
• Agile and humanized service.
• Modern equipment and fast reports.
• Accessibility and privileged location.

Schedule your exams or medical appointments quickly on the Instituto Medicina em Foco website or by calling: (11) 3289-3195.

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