In order to look at the heart and its nearby blood vessels, a process is used which is known as Adult echocardiography. It is also known as an echocardiogram or “echo”. It is just like an ultrasound scan. During Echocardiography, a probe will send high-frequency sound waves and when these sound waves will bounce off from different parts of the body, they will produce echoes These echoes are received by the probe, and they are converted into moving images that are depicted on the monitor screen while the scan is carried out. If you have any problem with your heart, your doctor will ask you to go for an electrocardiogram.

What are the indications for EchoCardiac Sonography?

• Asses Global LV Function
• Cardiac Arrest
• Cardiac Pacing
• Chest Pain
• Dizziness
• Estimating CVP
• Hypotension
• New Murmur
• Palpitations
• Sepsis/Shock
• Shortness of Breath
• Syncope
• Tachycardia
• Tachypnea
• Trauma

The procedure of Echocardiography:

There are different methods by which an echocardiogram can be performed, but the most common of all is the transthoracic echocardiogram also known as TTE.

1. First of all, you will remove your clothes covering the upper half of your body. You can cover yourself with a hospital suite.
2. Your heart rhythm will be recorded by the electrodes which are present on your chest.
3. On the ultrasound probe, the lubricating gel will be applied. Or it can also be applied to your chest.
4. Probe Selection- Phased Array: Low-frequency Probe- Scans deeper into the chest
5. Small Footprint- Can image better through the rib spaces.
6. A high frame rate per second is better able to demonstrate the movement of the heart.
7. You will lay down on your left side and then the probe will be moved to your chest.

Basic Sonographic Windows:

• Parasternal
• Apical
• Subxiphoid

Parasternal Long Axis:

• Move to the next scanning window in a clockwise manner.
• On the right shoulder, the probe will be moved.
• Start just under the clavicle and drag the probe inferior.

Parasternal Short Axis:

• Place the probe on 90 degrees and rotate the probe clockwise.
• Usually directed between the Mid-clavicular line and left shoulder.
• The left Ventricle should appear as a circle.

Apical:

• Move to the next scanning window in a clockwise manner.
• Feel for PMI (Point of Maximal Compact)
• Rotate probe to 3’ o clock position
• To get a picture of the base of the heart, rotate the probe on the sternum.

Subxiphoid:

• Move to the next scanning window in a clockwise manner.
• Place the probe in the subxiphoid position and drag it slightly to the patient’s right.

Inferior Vena Cava:

• Rotate the probe marker to 6’ o clock position.
• Aim the probe over to the patient’s right side.
• Usually found between the 3-4^th intercostal space
• Obstructive lung disease- usually found lower down in the chest
• Obese Abdomen- usually found higher up in the chest.
• The images will be produced on the machine.
• The images produced as a result of the echoes will be sent to the doctor who requested the echocardiogram.
• On your next visit to the doctor, he will discuss the results with you.

Time required for Echocardiography:

This whole process will take about 15 to 60 minutes and then you will be allowed to go back to your home.

The Job of a Cardiac Sonographer:

A cardiac sonographer is responsible for the following:

• To check the cardiac activity
• To see if the Left Ventricular is functioning normally. Or it is severely depressed.
• Is there fluid surrounding the heart?
• To check if the IVC is collapsed?

Benefits of Echocardiography:

This process will help to diagnose the condition of the heart by analyzing its structure of the heart. This process also analyzes the chambers of the heart.

An echocardiogram can help detect the following conditions:

1. Damage from a heart attack due to a blockage in the coronary arteries compromises the blood flow to the heart muscle.
2. Heart Failure- in this condition the heart is unable to pump blood all over the body.
3. Congenital Heart Disease- in this condition the normal functioning of the heart is affected due to birth defects.
4. Problems with the heart valves, such as rheumatic heart disease.
5. Cardiomyopathy- where the heart valves become thickened or enlarged, compromising the pumping action of the heart.
6. An echocardiogram is also helpful to decide the precise treatment for a certain condition.
7. To evaluate Left Ventricular Function
8. For evaluation for pericardial sac-free fluid (Pericardial Effusion)

Echocardiography exam preparation Course:

In this course, you will be taught how you can assess the heart by using an echocardiogram along with:

• Theory review of sonography physics and principles of Instrumentation and EchoCardiography.
• Overview of scanning techniques, protocols, and patient care skills in accordance with Canadian standards.
• Mock exams and guidance on all aspects of practice.
• Sessions are conducted by certified sonographers.
• Assistance in preparing your application and documentation for submission to the CMRTO.
• Additionally, ARDMS examination preparation and training are also offered.

Canadian Ultrasound Institute offers an Echocardiography exam preparation course in Canada. In this institute, you will be taught by certified sonographers and then you would be able to clear the Sonography Canada exam in a span of 5-6 months, and then you would be able to practice your license at any of the diagnostic centers.

Benefits of the Echocardiography Course:

The future of cardiac sonographers in Canada is very bright. As the population of the world is increasing so as the heart diseases so the doctors think that there will be a need for more cardiac sonographers in the future. And if you want to earn a great living then you should consider this option. There is a huge demand for cardiac sonographers in Canada. So, get enrolled in the course for Cardiac Sonographer and begin your role as a cardiac sonographer.

Echocardiography Course offered by Canadian Ultrasound Institute:

They offer you an exam preparation course for Adult Echocardiography which you can attend on weekdays or on weekends. The duration of each session will be less than 40 hours.  This session will give you echocardiographers training. You will have classroom lectures. You will be committed to preparing to sit for the sonography licensing examination in the specialty of Cardiac sonography after completing the session successfully at Canadian Ultrasound Institute Ontario.

This course will include the theory of sonography physics. It will also tell you about the principles and instruments used in Echocardiography. You will also learn the techniques, and protocols to use during cardiac sonography. They will also assess in preparing your application and documentation for submission to the CMRTO. In addition to this, ARDMS exam preparation and training are also offered.

Echocardiographer Career in Canada:

Echocardiographers plays important role in the health care field. This field is challenging but you would get an amazing reward if you chose this field as your profession in Canada. Also, the demand for skilled cardiac sonographers is increasing day by day. They can work in various places like

• cardiologist offices
• imaging centers
• hospitals.

Echocardiographers have a very dazzling future in Canada as they get an attractive salary of $36.47 per hour.

Conclusion:

Canadian Ultrasound Institute in Ontario ensures you a promising future ahead just by attending a session on the Echocardiography exam preparation course. So, get enrolled in one of Canada’s best institutes for becoming a trained and successful health care professional. You won’t regret it. Good Luck!