Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram services offered in Zephyrhills, Lakeland, Plant City and Riverview, FL

An echocardiogram diagnoses an enlarged heart and other cardiac abnormalities that cause chest pain and shortness of breath. At Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute, with offices in Zephyrhills, Riverview, Plant City, Wesley Chapel and Lakeland, Florida, echocardiogram testing is available to assess the health and function of your heart valves and other structures. The practice’s skilled cardiologists use the results of your echocardiogram to create an effective treatment plan for underlying heart issues. Call the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office nearest you to learn more about the benefits of an echocardiogram, or book an appointment online today.

Echocardiogram Q&A


What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic tool to view the structures of your heart. The ultrasound technology uses sound waves that bounce off your heart to create pictures of your heart valves and how blood flows through each chamber. Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute offers several types of echocardiograms, including:

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)

TTE is a standard echocardiogram that uses ultrasound technology to create pictures of your heart structures. Your cardiologist may also inject a contrast dye into your vein to ensure the structures show up well on the images.

Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)

TEE provides detailed pictures of your heart and aorta, the main artery in your body. The provider inserts a scope with an attached camera into your esophagus to take pictures of your heart from inside your body.

Stress echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram takes pictures of your heart before and after you exercise. This test evaluates how your heart reacts to strenuous activity.

Why would I need an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram may be part of a diagnostic evaluation for cardiac-related symptoms like shortness of breath and chest pain. The test can diagnose different types of heart conditions, including:
  • Enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy)
  • Heart infection (endocarditis)
  • Heart valve damage or disease
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  • Congenital heart disease
An echocardiogram can also show changes related to tumors, blood clots, and aortic aneurysms.

What happens during an echocardiogram?

During a standard echocardiogram, the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute team places a hand-held transducer on your chest. The device delivers sound waves through your skin that bounce off your heart and create an image on an external monitor. If you’re having a transesophageal echocardiogram, they attach several electrode patches to your chest that connect to an electrocardiograph (EKG) device. The electrodes record information about your heart’s electrical activity. Your cardiologist then guides a small transducer down into your esophagus to assess the structures of your heart. For a stress echocardiogram, the team monitors your heart rate while you’re at rest and during activity. They take pictures of your heart before and after you exercise. After your echocardiogram is complete, your cardiologist reviews the results and discusses what treatments you may need to address existing heart issues. You can go back to your usual activities without limitations unless your provider tells you otherwise. Call the Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute office nearest you to schedule an echocardiogram or book an appointment online today.

Comprehensive Heart and Vascular Services

We offer comprehensive diagnostic and preventive heart and vein care, ensuring every patient receives accurate evaluation and effective treatment.

Interventional Cardiology

We specialize in minimally invasive procedures that open blocked arteries and restore proper blood flow, improving heart function and patient outcomes.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Our experts diagnose and treat narrowed or blocked vessels outside the heart, enhancing circulation and reducing pain in the legs and extremities.

Coronary Artery Disease

We provide advanced care to manage plaque buildup in coronary arteries, improving oxygen flow to the heart and preventing serious cardiac events.

Valvular Heart Disease

Our specialists assess and treat valve disorders to restore normal heart rhythm and ensure efficient blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system.

Hypertension

We offer personalized management for high blood pressure through medication, diet, and lifestyle adjustments to protect your heart and arteries.

Congestive Heart Failure

Comprehensive treatment plans help strengthen heart function, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life for patients with heart failure.

High Cholesterol

We focus on preventing heart disease through cholesterol management programs that combine medication, nutrition counseling, and lifestyle coaching.

Heart Palpitations

Our team evaluates irregular or rapid heartbeats with advanced diagnostic tools to identify causes and develop effective treatment strategies.

Arrhythmias

We diagnose and manage heart rhythm abnormalities using state-of-the-art monitoring and therapies that help maintain a steady, healthy heartbeat.

Atrial Fibrillation

We offer cutting-edge care for atrial fibrillation, using medication and minimally invasive procedures to restore normal rhythm and prevent stroke.

Syncope

Our specialists investigate fainting episodes to determine underlying cardiovascular causes and provide treatment to prevent future occurrences.

Echocardiogram

This non-invasive ultrasound test gives detailed images of your heart’s structure and function, helping us assess heart health and detect conditions early.

Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test

We use advanced imaging to evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle, identifying areas of reduced circulation or damage with high precision.

Venous Disorders and Management

We diagnose and treat varicose veins, deep vein issues, and other venous conditions to restore comfort, improve circulation, and prevent complications.

Holter Monitor

A portable Holter device records your heart’s activity over 24–48 hours, allowing accurate detection of rhythm irregularities in real-life settings.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)

TAVR offers a minimally invasive alternative to open-heart surgery, replacing damaged valves to improve blood flow and overall heart performance.

MitraClip Procedure

We perform MitraClip therapy to treat mitral valve regurgitation, improving heart efficiency and reducing symptoms without the need for surgery.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Interventions

Our specialists use advanced, minimally invasive techniques to dissolve clots, relieve pain, and prevent long-term vein damage from DVT.

Pulmonary Embolism Interventions

We offer rapid diagnosis and targeted treatments to remove or dissolve clots in the lungs, restoring breathing and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Watchman Device Implantation

This innovative procedure reduces stroke risk in atrial fibrillation patients by closing the left atrial appendage and eliminating long-term anticoagulants.

Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

We implant pacemakers to regulate slow or irregular heartbeats, restoring proper rhythm and improving daily function and energy levels.

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD)

Our ICD implantation helps prevent sudden cardiac arrest by detecting dangerous rhythms and automatically delivering corrective electrical pulses.

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure

We close the small opening between heart chambers using a catheter-based device, reducing the risk of stroke and improving overall circulation.

Atrial Septal Defect Closure

This minimally invasive procedure repairs holes in the heart wall, restoring normal blood flow and preventing complications like stroke or heart failure.