Echocardiography
This is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It is used to check anomalies (congenital and acquired) concerning the chambers, the valves, the wall and the enclosing sac (pericardium) of the heart. It is safe for everyone (children and adults).
ADULT ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY.
Adult echocardiography is ultrasonography used to evaluate the anatomical structure and function of the heart and great vessels in Adults. An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart. At Everight, we have a dedicated 4D Ultrasound Machine with experienced Consultant Cardiologists for Echocardiography examinations. Some indications/reasons for doing an Echocardiography will include the following:
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, syncope, palpitations, transient ischemic attack, stroke, and peripheral embolic event
- Previous diagnostic tests such as cardiac enzymes, electrocardiogram, and chest X-ray indicating cardiac disease
- Premature ventricular contraction
- Arrhythmias
- Suspected pulmonary artery hypertension
- To guide management in patients diagnosed with pulmonary artery hypertension
- Patient in shock with an uncertain or suspected cardiac cause
- For diagnosis of valvular heart disease
- To guide management in patients diagnosed with valvular heart disease
- Patients with suspicion of hypertensive heart disease, prosthetic valve dysfunction, infective endocarditis, heart failure, congenital heart disease, cardiac mass, pericardial disease, aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, or cardiovascular source of embolus
PAEDIATRIC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY.
Pediatric echocardiography is ultrasonography used to evaluate the anatomical structure and function of the heart in children. An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart. Echocardiography is the most common test used in children to diagnose or rule out heart disease and also to follow children who have already been diagnosed with a heart problem. This test can be performed on children of all ages and sizes including foetuses and newborns. Echocardiography diagnoses cardiac problems and also guides heart surgery and complex cardiac catheterizations. Several cardiac conditions may be detected by echocardiography, including the following:
- Heart murmur
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Pericarditis
- Valve disease
The ultrasound test is done with your child lying down comfortably on a bed. Infants may be able to lie in their parent’s lap. A small amount of clear gel is used between the transducer and chest to make sure there is proper contact. The gel doesn’t stain and is wiped off when the test is over. You’ll be able to see and hear the beating heart, as well as the flow of blood.
Echocardiographic examinations take 20 to 40 minutes. It is important for the child to remain still to obtain an examination of acceptable quality. Younger children may require sedation to allow the cardiologist to obtain a complete study. If sedation is needed, the child will be asked not to eat or drink for several hours prior to testing. Older children and teenagers usually don’t need sedation and may enjoy watching the test. Except for allowing for the possibility of sedation, you don’t need to make any special preparations.
Does it hurt?
No. No feeling comes from the sound waves themselves. Occasionally there’s mild discomfort from the transducer pressing on the skin.
Is it harmful?
No. There are no known ill effects of the sound waves used during a standard echocardiogram.
Mr Everest Okpara is the chief advocate of the Company. He has been instrumental in making strategic decisions and policy formulations for the Company. He is known for being credible, courageous, focused, innovative, driven and result oriented. He holds an MBA degree in Business Administration and Management, B.Sc. in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the Lagos State University, a certificate in Healthcare Management from Lagos Business School and a certificate in Biostatistics and Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, U.S.A. Mr Everest has been a force in investigative medicine for over seventeen (17) years. He is a philanthropist who has made extensive contributions to the social and economic development of his community.