Ultrasounds

What are ultrasounds?

Ultrasounds are imaging procedures that use sound waves to create images of the structures inside your body. Diagnostic ultrasounds available at Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates offer the information needed to diagnose and treat many heart and blood vessel disorders.

Vascular ultrasounds provide images of your blood vessels, while echocardiograms use sound waves to produce images of your heart.

Are ultrasounds right for me?

After reviewing your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, your Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates provider lets you know if you’re a candidate for ultrasounds. They also check your pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs, weigh you and complete a physical exam. You might also need bloodwork or other diagnostic tests.

Ultrasounds are helpful if you struggle with:

• Previous heart attack
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmia)
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Family history of heart disease
• Varicose veins
• Other vein disorders

Any time you experience new or unusual symptoms of a heart or blood vessel problem, see the experts at Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates for an evaluation.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

There’s usually no special preparation needed before having ultrasounds at Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates. In some cases, your specialist will ask you to not eat or drink anything for a few hours before your ultrasound.

Tell your provider about medications you take and find out if you’ll be sedated. If so, arrange to have someone drive you home afterward.

What happens during ultrasounds?

What you can expect during your ultrasound depends on which procedure you undergo. Your provider could place gel on your skin and glide a device called a transducer over the area to be examined. The procedure is painless, and no recovery is needed.

If you’re to undergo a transesophageal echocardiogram, your provider will numb your throat and gives you a sedative to help you relax. They insert a flexible tube containing a transducer down your throat into your esophagus to record sound waves from your heart and create detailed moving images of it.

What should I expect after undergoing an ultrasound?

After an ultrasound, your Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates provider discusses the results with you and lets you know the next steps that need to be taken. They could suggest watchful waiting, additional diagnostic tests, lifestyle changes, medication, medical procedures, or combinations of treatments to reduce the chance of severe complications.

Call the nearest office today or use the online booking feature to learn more about ultrasounds at Memorial Katy Cardiology Associates and if you need one.