Diagnosing Heart Conditions with an Echocardiogram in Williamsport, PA
An echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound, is a noninvasive, diagnostic test which takes an ultrasound of your heart. Also called a cardiac ultrasound or echo, an echocardiogram creates moving pictures that give your provider a clear picture of your heart’s size, structure and how well it pumps blood.
If you or a loved one has a heart condition, we offer the latest technology to perform echocardiograms in Williamsport, PA. For the cardiology services you need, Find a Provider at UPMC Susquehanna.
Why an Echocardiogram Is Performed
At Susquehanna Health, our cardiology teams use echocardiograms to evaluate, diagnose and monitor heart conditions. If you’ve had a recent heart attack or have heart failure, heart valve disease, blood clots or a heart defect, an echocardiogram may be recommended by your provider.
UPMC Susquehanna performs echocardiograms in Williamsport for the following reasons:
- Irregular heartbeats (heart murmurs)
- Monitoring heart health after a recent surgery, heart attack or stroke
- Monitoring heart health on an ongoing basis if you have an existing heart condition, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure
- Heart conditions are present, such as chest pain, unusual fatigue, swollen ankles and legs, shortness of breath and fainting, or dizzy spells
What to Expect with an Echocardiogram at UPMC Susquehanna
An echocardiogram will be performed in a UPMC Susquehanna hospital. The procedure usually takes about one hour. You’ll lie down on your back or left side while a technician moves an ultrasound wand over the surface of your chest. The transducer sends and receives sound waves and produces an image of your heart on a monitor.
Why an Echocardiogram Is Important
Echocardiograms help doctors diagnose:
- Irregular heart structures, such as congenital heart defects
- Blood clots inside the heart, which could lead to a stroke
- Weakened or damaged heart muscle from narrowed coronary arteries or heart attack
- An enlarged heart or thickening of the chambers in the heart, which is associated with high blood pressure, heart valve disease, heart failure and heart defects
For an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may order other tests to get a better idea of your heart health and functions.
UPMC Susquehanna Heart & Vascular Institute offers a complete range of diagnostic tests to evaluate heart problems, including echocardiograms in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.