Why Would My Primary Care Physician Recommend an Echocardiogram?

If you’ve been to your Beverly Hills Concierge Care Primary Care Physician and he or she has recommended an echocardiogram, you may be wondering why. It’s natural to have questions and concerns about any medical test, especially one that may seem unfamiliar. Let’s explore the reasons why your primary care physician may have recommended an echocardiogram and what you can expect from the process in our Los Angeles clinic.

What Is An Electrocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create a detailed picture of your heart. This test allows your doctor to see how well your heart is functioning, including how well the chambers and valves of your heart are working and how blood is flowing through your heart. It’s a valuable tool in diagnosing and monitoring a variety of heart conditions.

Reasons to Have an Electrocardiogram

Your primary care physician or Urgent Care physician may order an echocardiogram for several reasons. The most common reasons include:

• Evaluating symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain or heart palpitations to get a clear picture of your heart’s function.
• Monitoring an existing heart condition like a heart murmur, heart valve disease or heart failure, and assessing the condition’s progression and your treatment’s effectiveness.
• Part of your routine health checkup, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease.
• Part of pre- and post-surgery assessments to help with procedures and monitor recovery.

An echocardiogram is a valuable tool for assessing heart health and diagnosing a variety of heart conditions. If your primary care physician has recommended this test for you, it’s important to follow through and schedule the appointment. The test is painless and non-invasive, and the information it provides can be crucial for your overall heart health.

What Can I Expect from An Echo Test?

Feeling anxious or uncertain about any medical test, including an echocardiogram, is normal. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor. Understanding why the test is recommended and what the results may mean for your health can help ease apprehension. Here is what you can expect at your appointment:

1. You will lie on an exam table. You may be asked to raise or remove your shirt.
2. A technician will move a sound transducer across your bare chest to capture images from different angles.
3. After the echocardiogram, our physicians will review the images and discuss the findings with you.

Los Angeles Cardio Echo Test Near Me

An echocardiogram is a valuable tool for assessing heart health and diagnosing various heart conditions. Your physician may have recommended this test for several reasons. If you have any concerns or questions, your Primary Care or Urgent Care physician will provide the information and support you need. Contact Beverly Hills Concierge Doctor for more information about heart-related care at our clinic.