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 Medical Abbreviations: A Closer Look at ECHO
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. This non-invasive test can provide practitioners with information regarding the position, size, movement of the valves and chambers of the heart. In addition, the ECHO provides information regarding the velocity of the blood flow. An ECHO uses high pitched sound waves that are sent through a transducer. These images produce moving pictures that can then be seen on a video screen.
Abbreviation |
Meaning |
ECHO |
Echocardiogram |
There are different types of echocardiograms. The first type is a Transthoracic and it is the most common type of ECHO. This diagnostic exam is used for a few different reasons:
- To determine the cause of abnormal heart sounds
- Further evaluation of an enlarged heart
- Identify potential clots and tumors
- Identify potential congenital abnormalities
The second is the Stress Echocardiogram. This test is done for the purpose of looking for decreased blood flow to the heart. It is performed either before or after exercise. The medication is administered through an IV to make the heart beat faster and faster and then the hearts ability to function under that condition is evaluated.
The Doppler Echocardiogram looks at how the blood flows through the heart. It measures the direction and speed of the blood flowing through the heart and surrounding vessels. It also measures the blood pressure when looking at the speed of blood flow.
The Transesophageal Echocardiogram can help practitioners determine heart function during surgery. It also is used to diagnose endocarditis. It requires a tube being passed down the esophagus so a sedative or anesthetic is administered before the exam. Because the viewpoint is closer to the heart, it provides a clearer picture of the heart.
References:
WebMd Heart Disease Center: Echocardiogram (2006). Retrieved July 2007 from http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/Echocardiogram?page5.com
Black, J. and Matassarin-Jacobs, E. (1993) Luckmann and Sorensen’s Medical Surgical Nursing: A Psychophysiologic Approach (4th edition) pp. 1128-1129.
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