Echocardiogram (Echo) Test Specialist Bethpage Farmingdale, Hicksville, NY

What are the signs that you need an echocardiogram test?

Primary care physicians at LI Medical Group may order an echocardiogram if they suspect any abnormalities during your annual checkup. These symptoms include:

• An irregular heartbeat or heart murmurs (called arrhythmias);
• Extremely high or low blood pressure;
• Shortness of breath or palpitations;
• Swelling in legs or feet;
• Abnormal EKG results.

What to expect during an Echocardiogram?

At LI Medical Group, Dr. Fagan and his team perform different types of echocardiogram testing in Bethpage Farmingdale depending on the conditions being tested. Normally, it takes anywhere between 15 minutes to 2 hours for the test to complete. The general steps involved include:

• You will be asked to dress in a hospital gown by your healthcare providers and laid down to relax.
• The most common type of echocardiogram test called Standard Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) will require an EKG test to be administered simultaneously. Then, the echo specialist with slide a transducer using a water-based gel across your chest to get clear pictures of your heart functions. This is a completely risk-free procedure, hence you will not feel any discomfort during or after.
• The Transesophageal Echocardiogram, however, is an invasive procedure and thus your Echocardiogram specialist at the Hicksville center may administer a sedative to help you relax. During the testing, a smaller transducer is passed through your throat and esophagus to retrieve clearer moving images of the heart. Chances of pain after the test are rare but you may have a sore throat post-procedure.
• Lastly, Stress Echocardiogram is an active testing method performed before and after a cardiac stress test. Since this Echocardiogram testing approach requires an individual to exercise, you may feel shortness of breath or mild chest pain. Although these side effects are uncommon, it’s crucial that you talk to your healthcare team at LI Medical Group if you feel any discomfort at any point during the tests.

Dr. Ronald Fagan and his team of seasoned primary care physicians and cardiologists are happy to assist you with any health concerns you may have. We are dedicated to serving the people of, but not limited to, Hicksville and Bethpage, Farmingdale, New York. So, schedule your appointment with our team of specialists to get the best medical assistance.