Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram testing at Parkview Cardiology PLLC in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, noninvasively evaluates the heart’s structure and function. Board-certified cardiologist and internal medicine physician Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, uses this ultrasound-based test to gather detailed images of heart chambers, valves, and blood flow for expert evaluation and diagnosis of heart conditions. Call the office or schedule a consultation through online booking now.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic imaging test that creates moving images of the heart. It uses ultrasound waves to create a detailed view of:

• Heart size
• Heart shape
• Heart valve function
• Blood flow to the heart

With this test, Dr. Sankholkar can perform a detailed heart analysis without performing invasive procedures.

When is an echocardiogram recommended?

Alongside electrocardiograms (EKGs) that measure the heart’s electrical signals, echocardiograms are one of the go-to tests when people experience symptoms that could point to heart problems. Examples include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat

Dr. Sankholkar may also use echocardiograms to monitor known conditions, like heart failure or heart valve disease. In addition, he may monitor the effectiveness of treatment regimens, for example, checking the effectiveness of heart medication, using echocardiograms.

What conditions can an echocardiogram detect?

Echocardiograms can detect:

• Valve diseases, such as stenosis or regurgitation
• Congenital heart defects
• Cardiomyopathy
• Pericardial disease
• Problems with heart muscle function
• Enlargement of heart chambers
• Blood clots inside the heart
• Fluid buildup around the heart

This detailed view helps guide accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.

How is the echocardiogram performed?

During a transthoracic echocardiogram, your trained technician at Parkview Cardiology PLLC places a small device called a transducer on the chest. This device emits sound waves that bounce off the heart and produce images on a monitor.

This procedure is completely noninvasive and takes around 30-60 minutes.

A variation is the stress echocardiogram. It combines ultrasound imaging with exercise on a treadmill. Your technician performs an echocardiogram when you're at rest, then you exercise on the treadmill. After that, they perform another echocardiogram that reveals the effects of exercise on your heart.

For people who can't exercise, a medication can reproduce the effects of exercise on the heart to provide the same valuable information during an echocardiogram.

A stress echo can help Dr. Sankholkar find issues that aren't evident when the heart is at rest.

The type of echocardiogram you need depends on your symptoms, condition (or suspected condition), and what kind of information Dr. Sankholkar needs to gather.

How can an echocardiogram help guide treatment?

Echocardiogram findings help Dr. Sankholkar determine the severity of heart disease and the best treatment plan. This may include medications, lifestyle changes, or procedures like valve repair or replacement.

Parkview Cardiology PLLC, Dr. Sankholkar has a passion for patient education and always takes the time to explain the meaning of imaging results. He believes in collaboration and is here to support you in finding the ideal diagnostic and treatment approach.

For expert cardiac imaging and personalized care in Midtown Manhattan, call the office or click the online scheduler now.