Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a painless diagnostic study that uses ultrasound technology to capture images of your heart in motion. Cardiologist Humayun Naqvi, MD, MBA, at West Houston Heart Center in Houston, Texas, performs in-office echocardiography using the most advanced machines available to ensure the accuracy of these beneficial studies. Schedule a visit today for comprehensive, state-of-the-art cardiac care designed to meet your needs. Call the office or request an appointment using their secure online service.

Why would I need an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a noninvasive cardiac study that records images of your heart in motion. This offers Dr. Naqvi essential details about your heart function and is especially helpful if you’re experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, intermittent chest pain, or unusual fatigue.

Conditions an echocardiogram can reveal include:

• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Valvular heart disease
• History of a “silent” heart attack
• Cardiomyopathy (enlarged, thickened, or stiff heart muscle)
• Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)

Dr. Naqvi also uses echocardiograms as a monitoring tool to assess previously diagnosed heart disease or the effectiveness of your current treatment plan.

What happens during an echocardiogram?

Echocardiograms available through West Houston Heart Center include a standard study (transthoracic echo) that takes just a few minutes to complete. During a transthoracic echo, an ultrasound technician passes a handheld device (transducer) firmly over your chest and upper abdomen as you lie comfortably on an exam table.

The transducer emits sound waves that pass harmlessly through your skin and chest wall and bounce off the heart structures, transmitting the “echoes” to a nearby computer. Small sticky patches (electrodes) track your heart rate and rhythm during the echo. The computer interprets the echoes from the transducer and records them as images for Dr. Naqvi’s review.

Depending on the nature of your symptoms or reasons for the echo, Dr. Naqvi may recommend a transesophageal echocardiogram. This type of echo uses a small transducer passed down through your esophagus (throat) to the level of your heart. A transesophageal echocardiogram offers very clear images because the transducer is close to the heart, and the waves don’t have to pass through the skin, muscles, or bone.

What is a dobutamine stress echocardiogram?

A dobutamine stress echo, used for individuals unable to exercise on a treadmill, evaluates your heart function at rest and peak capacity. Dobutamine, a medication provided via an IV (intravenous) line, increases your heart rate, mimicking the cardiac effects of exercise. Dr. Naqvi then compares a resting echo, taken at the start of the study, with the post-medication echo to evaluate changes in your heart function.

Schedule an evaluation at West Houston Heart Center today. Call the office or request an appointment online.