Cardiac UltraSound

  • Echocardiogram “ECHO”
    • Ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves to produce an image of the heart
    • Purpose: Evaluate over function of the heart by measuring heart thickness, structure/function of heart valves, identify areas of poor blood flow, detect blood clots
    • Sample Clinical indications: Abnormal EKG, Chest pain, Murmur, palpitations, shortness of breath
  • Carotid Doppler
    • A measurement of the blood flow in the carotid arteries, the two major arteries on each side of the neck that carry blood to the brain
    • Purpose: Evaluate high risk patients for transischemic attack (TIA), cerebral vascular accident (CVA) and carotid bruit, measure the amount and velocity of blood flow
    • Sample Clinical indications: carotid stenosis, dizziness, head/neck mass, syncope, TIA
  • Arterial and Venous Doppler
    • Doppler of arteries and veins of lower extremities
    • Purpose: monitors blood flow and circulation, detects blood clots
    • Sample clinical indications: edema, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), pain in limb, ulceration, varicosities