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Juan R. Amell, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Amell earned his M.D. Cum Laude from the Universidad Nacional Pedro H. Urena in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
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Amilcar Avendano, M.D.,F.A.C.C.
Dr. Avendano earned his M.D. from the Universidad Francisco Marroquin, Guatemala City, Guatemala, Central America.
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Gustavo A. Grieco, M.D.,F.A.C.C.
Dr. Grieco earned his M.D. at Central University of Venezuela.
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Metram J. Rao, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Dr. Rao is a graduate of Kakatiya Medical College, Osmania University, India.
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Vinay R. Julapalli, M.D.
Dr. Julapalli earned his M.D. from the University of Texas.
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Our Services
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Are You Scheduled for an Echocardiogram?
This is a painless test that works on the sound waves called ultrasound. There is no radiationor needles. It is a detailed study of your heart in which sound waves are used to determine how well the valves and chambers are functioning.
How it Works.
A small transducer will be held against your chest and emit harmless sound waves. These waves bounce off heart structures and back to the transducer. The transducer sends this data to a computer which translates the information to a monitor. From the monitor the image is stored on a video tape or a permanent print out. These images are used to see the structure and movement of the valves and chambers. A doppler echo is used in the same way by bouncing sound waves off heart chambers and blood vessels to view blood flow pattern.
Procedure.
You will be asked to remove your clothing from your upper body. Electrodes will be attached to your chest so an EKG can be recorded at the same time as the echo. The transducer will be lubricated with gel and held in various positions on your chest. You may be asked to lie in various positions. After obtaining the necessary information the sonographer will remove the transducer and electrodes. The results are sent to your doctor.
How Long Does This Test Take?
The procedure takes half an hour to an hour, depending on the patient.
What Are the Indications?
Chest pain, hypertension, high cholesterol, family history of heart problems, heart murmur, irregular heart beats, congestive heart failure and others.
What We Can See by Echo
We can see the inside of the heart. All the valves and their function-wall motion, heart muscles contractility, chamber sizes, etc. By color doppler echo we can see blood circulation inside of the heart, and also evaluate valvular function, leaky valves, and hemodynamics of the heart.
Contraindications:
There are no contraindications.
Preparation:
No preparation is necessary for this procedure.
Who Does This Test?
Ultrasound personnel include physicians with specialized knowledge in reading echocardiograms, and sonographers, highly trained licensed experts in the use of ultrasound technology.
Relax! Ultrasound is Accurate and Painless.
Any Questions?
Just ask your physician or other member of the health care team.