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Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiography)

Also known as an echo test, Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiography) works by using soundwaves to produce moving pictures of the human heart. The echo is used to pinpoint and evaluate specific problems of the heart and related functions. This includes information on the structure and the non-invasive blood floor.

Patients will usually have an echo test recommended in situations that involve:

  • Heart murmur
  • Prior heart attack
  • Unexplained chest pains
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Valve issues or congenital heart defects

What is Echocardiogram?

This is a test using ultrasound waves when examining the heart. The procedure is safe, painless, and helps physicians while diagnosing a range of heart issues.

How Echocardiogram Works

Throughout the test, a small microphone-type device called a transducer gets held against the check. The transducer then sends ultrasound waves that reflect from various areas of the heart. This information gets compiled via a computer to generate an image of the heart. The image is then displayed on a monitor, and it may be printed on paper or digitally recorded.

What Does Echo Testing Show?

Echo testing helps by providing doctors with detailed information on the heart, including:

  • Size – This measurement of the heart includes the thickness of the heart muscle and the chambers.
  • Pumping Strength – This monitors the heart’s pump function and whether it is weakened or at full strength. It may also determine if specific parts are pumping equally.
  • Valve Issues – This looks at heart valve motion to determine if there is narrowing, leaking, and how severe the issue is.
  • Misc. – This test may also detect fluid presence around the heart, any masses, abnormal holes, or blood clots.

What You Can Expect

An echocardiogram may be done at the hospital or a doctor’s office with no special preparation necessary on the part of the patient. Clothing is removed at the waist, and a hospital gown or sheet is put over the patient to ensure their comfort and warmth. You do remain in a sitting position throughout the test.

There will be small sticky patches known as electrodes attached to the shoulders and chest to get accurate recordings for the electrocardiogram, also known as an ECG or EKG. this shows the electrical activity throughout the heart as the test proceeds. Patients might also be asked to breathe in slowly or hold their breath to obtain the best images.

How Long Does an Echo Take?

To have a thorough examination, you must expect between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the patient and the type of heart issue.

Are Echocardiograms Safe?

This is a very safe test, and there have been no known risks attributed to ultrasound waves used. Patients also find this test to be painless, but there could be discomfort as the transducer gets pressed against the chest.

What are the Benefits of an Echocardiogram?

  • This test gives detailed information on the structure and blood flow of the heart, all while remaining non-invasive.
  • The information doctors gain during the echo helps them generate an accurate diagnosis followed by a tailored treatment plan.
  • In some cases, there could be an irritation that leads to difficulty obtaining quality images. However, this is generally the case with patients that are obese, going through chronic lung disease, or have a broad chest.

What About the Results?

After the echocardiogram, the test results and images get sent to the physician immediately. They are reviewed, and the results are then on the table for any treatment plans or immediate course of action in emergent situations.

To inquire further about Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiography) treatment and testing in Safety Habor or book your appointment, contact us at Polmed Primary Care Walk-In Clinic by calling (727) 339-2054.

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This is a great office. From Sarah upfront back to Nicole And Denise, these medical professionals are exceptional and so caring! I actually found this office for my wife but am so impressed I will be switching to them as my primary care office! If you are looking for an attentive and thorough doctors office, this is the one. Thanks guys, you put my wife (and me) at ease Dan and Carrie Murphy


I’m a newer patient of Nicole, and I have nothing but great things to say about both her and the practice. I’ve been struggling with severe stomach pains for a few years now, and none of the other doctors I’ve seen have been able to find anything they’re able to do about it. Most haven’t even been willing to do tests to find out what’s going on. My appointment with Nicole was for a refill on a prescription for a skin condition, but Nicole made sure to go over all of my medical history as well as my families. She asked questions no other medical professional has ever asked, and one of these led to her realizing there may be something wrong that’s causing my pain. I’ve had to fight with doctors just to get them to order tests, and half of the time the tests ordered weren’t even remotely related to what I told them was happening. She sat there in front of me looking up the exact tests that needed to be ordered to check for the condition she thinks I may have, wrote them down, and said those exact things to the woman who wrote the script for the tests. I also had to get a refill on a migraine medication while I was there, but this med is expensive and takes time to get my insurance to cover. Because of that, she made sure to offer me free samples of the medication so that I could start taking them right away. I did forget to get these when I left that day, but they made picking them up later so easy. They’re also being very helpful in doing their part to get my insurance to cover this medication. Also, if you need a last minute appointment, they take walk ins! This place is great, and cares a lot.


I’ve been going to CC, a Nurse Practitioner, Denise, and Sarah, at Dr. Kaszuba’s office for a long time now. I just want to say how I love this office. I found out about the office when I took an elderly patient here for her visit. They were so welcoming, I decided to switch to them for my doctor even though I live in Pinellas Park. I’ve always received the best care here.


The team at the front office is amazing I appreciate how nice Sarah has been with helping me with my appointments. The whole team does a great job and really care. Cassie Thomas


Great staff, smooth process. Booked through Zocdoc, staff called and confirmed appointment. Visit was friendly and informative. I was looking for a Primary, this office pretty much summed my decision. Thank you Polmed!


I felt very comfortable and welcomed. Doc was very knowledgeable.looking forward to having this team guide me back to health!


I wouldn’t change doctors for anything, Dr. Kaszuba is the best! I overlook the small stuff that is irrelevant ! He goes above & beyond !Not only is he a polite gentleman, but he has nailed every condition I’ve had, proving certain specialists incorrect! He’s old school knows the body in its entirety not just generally! I hope he gets rest, though! Also, his staff are awesome they love him! It’s all a breath of fresh air especially during these times. Thank you, all!


Very professional, i highly recommend


My family doctor for years


I have been a patient of Dr Kaszuba, Ben Landry, and "Ci Ci" for 15 years. I am a retired 33-year clinican myself. I credit Dr. Kaszuba for saving my life, as he recognized my symptoms at a very early stage, intervened, and took action immediately. His staff maintains a high standard of ethics in their areas of expertise especially Sarah. And have been very considerate of my health status, relaying information and communications.I travel 2 hours one- way for my appointments because of the high quality of care.

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