Cardiac Ultrasound Research Paper

Most ultrasounds are done using a transducer on the surface of the skin. Sometimes, however, doctors and technicians can get a better diagnostic image by inserting a special transducer into one of the body's natural openings

Another form of imaging is ultrasound. Ultrasound, which uses very high frequency sound, is directed into the body. And because the tissue interference's reflect sound, doctors are able to produce, by use of a computer, a photograph or moving image on a television. Ultrasound has many application uses on the body, but is more commonly used in examinations of the fetus during pregnancy, because use of radiation may affect the outcome of the baby. Some other practices for ultrasound include examination of the arteries, heart, pancreas, urinary system, ovaries, brain, and spinal cord. And because sound travels well through fluids it is a very useful technique for diagnosing cysts( which are filled with fluid), and fluid filled structures such as the bladder. And since sound is absorbed by air and bone it is impossible to use a ultrasound on bones or lungs.

Some further tests that can be done are a Computed tomography scan (CT), Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart (MRI), by taking an X-ray which may show an enlarged heart, abnormal structure and arrangement of the abdominal organs and an Echocardiogram or Ultrasound of the heart.

Cardiac Echogram- This is to identify structural abnormalities in cardiac function, cardiac output, abnormal valves and MI (Buttaro, Trybulski, Polgar-Bailey, & Sandburg-Cook, 2017).

A physical examination, specifically auscultation of the heart, as well as an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram are used to assess the heart fully. Upon physical

The doctor, cardiologist, and other medical professionals will be looking for certain things to determine if a person has heart failure; for example, a third heart beat (besides the usual “lub” “dub”). Heart failure is diagnosed by certain symptoms along with certain medical tests (Krum, 2009). Some medical tests conducted by various kinds of doctors are the following: Electrocardiograms, Echocardiography, and MRIs. An electrocardiogram is a machine that displays a person’s heartbeat to assess electrical and muscular purposes of the heart. Electrocardiograms are helpful because it can rule out a certain type of heart failure (Krum, 2009). Echocardiography uses ultrasound technology to examine the heart. This test can help with the diagnosis of heart failure because it can give the medical professional information about the left ventricle. An MRI is a medical exam to determine if someone has heart failure because it gives an evaluation of the

My interest in pursuing sonography has been influenced by a variety of experiences including academic and personal experiences. At a young age, I was exposed to the world of diagnostic imaging. I distinctly remember the dizziness and shortness of breath I continuously encountered on a daily basis. when I went in for my physical my blood pressure was extremely high. At just eighteen I was diagnosed with hypertension. Given my age it was quite shocking. I underwent many different test and evaluations where the doctor found I had an abnormal EKG. Finally, I was instructed to get an echocardiogram. Although I felt nervous I was fascinated with how the sonographer was able to ease my nerves with her knowledge and insight. Echocardiograms and other test became a part of my routine to monitor my heart. Although it was a scary experience today’s technology allowed me to live a healthy life and take preventative measures to ensure my heart was healthy. My aspiration to be a sonographer began there, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue, the ability to help others has always been my passion.

A cardiologist usually begins with the noninvasive testing to see if the patient has CAD. The echocardiogram (echo) test is used when a patient may have chest pain, a previous heart attack, heart murmur, or a congenital heart defect (AHA, 2000). The echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the cardiac muscle. An echo is a test that uses a transducer to pick up sound waves which vibrate throughout the heart (Staff, 2011). The vibrations from the heart are accumulated to create a picture of the heart functioning (Staff, 2011).

Using a stethoscope can pick out a heart murmur. Each murmur has a slightly different sound to it and you have to train yourself to be able to differentiate between them.

Ultrasound can measure heart chambers, it can detect heart valve problems, and determine blood flow to the heart. This is beneficial to medicine because it can measure the risks of someone having heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer is women in the United States (SDMS, 2013). If more people had an ultrasound more lives could be saved from heart disease. If someone has bladder problems and is having pain an ultrasound can measure the amount of urine in the bladder and determine the problem and solution to eliminate the pain. Also kidney stones are detected by ultrasound if someone is having

A cardiac nuclear scan is a test that checks the heart for problems, such as:

Perhaps the most deadly of all the heart’s complications is a heart attack. A heart attack is the leading killer in men and women in the United States, with an estimate 1 million heart attacks alone in the United States (NHLBI). A heart attack occurs when the heart is unable to obtain oxygen, due to a section of heart muscle becoming blocked and preventing oxygen-rich blood to flow properly. The leading cause of heart attacks is coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease. Coronary heart disease is a result of plague, a waxy like substance, building up inside the coronary arteries, the arteries that are responsible for providing blood to the heart (NHLBI). Overtime, the built up plaque can rupture inside of an artery causing a blood clot to form, which prevents blood from reaching heart muscles. Portions of heart muscle once fed by this now blocked artery begin to die if blockage is not treated in time.

Have you ever wondered where a marble or penny you swallowed went? Well read my paper and you'll find out a way to track it. For over 20 years ultrasound imaging has been used and has an excellent safety record. Ultrasounds use non-ionizing radiation, so it does not have the same risks as X-rays or other types of imaging systems that use ionizing radiation.

• Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt. • Be physically active. • Keep your weight under control. • Get regular medical check-ups. • Follow your doctor’s orders for taking medicine. • Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes. What are Heart Disease and Stroke? Cardiovascular Conditions Over time, fatty deposits called plaque develop in the walls of the arteries that supply the heart or brain with blood. As the clot continues to grow, blood flow is reduced and the heart or brain tissue can start to die. If the plaque becomes unstable and ruptures, a clot begins to form inside the artery. If the clot completely blocks the artery or breaks off, a heart attack or stroke can occur. ANSWERS Cardiovascular Conditions by heart What are Heart Disease and Stroke? ANSWERS by heart • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. • Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness. If you have one or more of these signs, don’t wait more than 5 minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1…Get to a hospital right away. HEART FAILURE means that your heart isn’t pumping blood as well as it

An echocardiography which sound waves are used to provide moving image of the heart. This gives a detailed picture of the size, shape, chambers and valves work as well as an image notes the damage done to the heart muscle which can clarify what the patient is experiencing. Doppler ultrasounds uses sound waves measuring speed and direction of blood flow of heart and lungs.