Here are some things you need to know about cardiac ultrasound examination

When you have symptoms of heart discomfort, a cardiac ultrasound examination is a very reasonable and important examination. Performing a cardiac ultrasound examination is of great significance in timely detecting cardiac morphological abnormalities, evaluating ventricular wall motion and cardiac function, assisting in the diagnosis of various heart diseases, and monitoring changes in the condition. Here are a few things you need to know about cardiac ultrasound examinations.

The following preparations need to be made before the inspection

Wear comfortable clothing: It is recommended to wear loose, easy-to-put-on and off-the-body clothing, especially upper body clothing, as the chest will need to be partially exposed during the examination. Women should avoid wearing dresses or pantyhose so that they can easily pull up their clothing or take off their tops during the examination.

Diet arrangement: Although cardiac ultrasound generally does not require fasting, it is recommended not to eat within 1 hour before the examination to avoid gastrointestinal bloating affecting the examination results. Also avoid eating spicy and greasy foods and keep a light diet to avoid affecting the monitoring results.

Psychological preparation: Relax, keep a good mood, and avoid excessive tension or anxiety. If you have any doubts or concerns, you can communicate with the doctor in advance to understand the examination process and purpose to reduce tension.

Stop taking medications: If you are taking medications that may affect the results of cardiac ultrasound examination (such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, etc.), you should temporarily stop taking them or adjust the dosage under the guidance of a doctor.

Inform your doctor: If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, asthma, or special circumstances such as pregnancy, you must inform your doctor in advance so that the doctor can take appropriate measures and precautions during the examination.

Things to note during the inspection

Stay calm: Stay calm during the examination and avoid having a tachycardia, which may cause changes in heart rate and contraction, leading to inaccurate values ​​in the cardiac ultrasound. Avoid emotional excitement or strenuous exercise, as these factors may affect the examination results.

Cooperate with the examination: During the examination, you need to follow the doctor's instructions and requirements, maintain a suitable posture (such as lying flat or lying on the left side), and fully expose your chest for the doctor to examine. If the examination is for infants and young children, since infants and young children are prone to crying, family members need to cooperate with the doctor. If necessary, sedatives can be used to make the child fall asleep before the examination.

Avoid interference: Female patients should not wear too many ornaments, especially metal items, as these items may interfere with ultrasound diagnosis and treatment. During the examination, do not take deep breaths or hold your breath to avoid increased abdominal pressure and unstable heartbeat.

When performing color Doppler ultrasound examinations on patients with infectious diseases, preventive and isolation measures need to be taken.

(Wang Aixia, Chief Nurse, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University)