Why does she need an echocardiogram?!
Question: Why does she need an echocardiogram.?
my 4 year old has to see a cardiologist.the doctor said he could hear an abnormal sound in her heart.she has to have an echocardiogram.does this mean there might be something serious wrong with her heart.?are these only done when serious problems are suspected.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. It gets a visual of all of the heart's chambers, valves, size of the heart and how well is contracts. It sounds like the doctor heard what is called a "murmur" and wants your daughter to have this test so it can be determined what could be causing the abnormal sound. It is not painful to have one done. I'm not going to say "don't worry", as it is appropriate to be concerned. Look at it this way: If she was in imminent danger, she would be in the hospital as we speak. I imagine you are scared. I hope things go well for you and your daughter. It sounds like your daughter is in good hands. I hope things turn out okay.Health Question & Answer
A substantial portion of people alive today have at least some minor heart abnormality such as murmur. Whenever a doc first detects an abnormality, it is always a good idea to follow up with an ECG. If your child doesn't have any obvious symptoms of a heart problem like lethargy, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc., then whatever the doc has found is not likely to be a serious problem, but it could still be something that needs to be monitored or treated.
An electrocardiogram is done because there's only so much you can tell from a stethoscope. The stethoscope can detect an abnormality, but it's not very useful for knowing exactly what is causing the problem, or how serious the problem might be. Beside the common heart murmurs, there are several developmental problems that can affect a child's heart. If a child has one of these conditions, docs can keep it from becoming a health risk by correcting the abnormality.
Don't worry - you should be glad you have a conscientious doc that is looking out for your child.Health Question & Answer
An electrocardiogram is done because there's only so much you can tell from a stethoscope. The stethoscope can detect an abnormality, but it's not very useful for knowing exactly what is causing the problem, or how serious the problem might be. Beside the common heart murmurs, there are several developmental problems that can affect a child's heart. If a child has one of these conditions, docs can keep it from becoming a health risk by correcting the abnormality.
Don't worry - you should be glad you have a conscientious doc that is looking out for your child.Health Question & Answer
I was diagnosed with a heart murmur at the age of 5, when I was 15 had an echocardigram, the pediatric cardiologist said I would be fine, at age 41, I had to have valve replacement surgery, due to aortic stenosis, I was half dead and it was a birth defect. If this had been found earlier, I would likely be recovering better.
Especially with her symptoms and size issues this is a very good thing to have done. I would also ask that more than one doctor look at it.Health Question & Answer
Especially with her symptoms and size issues this is a very good thing to have done. I would also ask that more than one doctor look at it.Health Question & Answer
an echocardiogram test the heartbeat of your heart and it's like an MRI of the heart, you can literally see your heart pumping. And the doctor just zoom in or out of your heart to see where it might be "moving" weird and there are code-codes and everything. It doesnt mean there's anything wrong the doctor just want to make sure nothing is wrong, if there is something wrong then he will certainly see it so you and the doctor wouldnt have to guess if your 4 year old have any heart problems.Health Question & Answer
It sounds like a heart murmer (as kad pointed out), however this is more likely due to a weakened valve than a small hole in the heart. It could be a congenital defect. But don't worry - if she is already 4 that means if she has anything is not too bad - and if it needs to be surgically corrected, it may be able to be done without a major incision!Health Question & Answer
This could just mean she has a heart murmur. In other words, a small hole in her heart. I've lived with one my whole life and if it's serious enough, they do have to operate, but most cases are fine on their own. I'm sure if the doctor thought there was something serious wrong he would have forewarned you of his suspicions. I've had many echos done because of my heart murmur and they aren't always done when something serious is suspected.Health Question & Answer
The echo is done as a preventative measure. The doctor wants to get a better look at the heart before determining if anything is really wrong. Don't get yourself all worked up just yet. You need to be calm for your child. Your 4yr. old is gonna be scared enough already without Mommy looking more anxious and worried than they are. Be strong, trust in your faith, and the doctor for now. I will say a prayer also for you.Health Question & Answer
No, it could be completely harmless. I had done when I was 7 because the doctor heard something abnormal and it turned out it was just a stupid heart murmur.
Im 24 now and I have no ill effects. I am completley healthy. I still have my murmur, and I know my limitations (with physical activity) but I am completley fine.
Don't worry. Chances are, its nothing serious!!Health Question & Answer
Im 24 now and I have no ill effects. I am completley healthy. I still have my murmur, and I know my limitations (with physical activity) but I am completley fine.
Don't worry. Chances are, its nothing serious!!Health Question & Answer
Stay Calm. Your doctor just wants to make sure everything is okay. Having an echocardiogram is a routine procedure used to look at the heart and used to make sure that everything is functioning properly.Health Question & Answer
No this is done to rule out anything serious. It wont hurt her a bit. It should give you peace of mind hopefully..Doctors will covers their asses, if you know what I mean. He will cover all bases to protect himself and your daughter. It will be okay.Health Question & Answer
Many times doctors order tests to check for abnormalities in other tests. There is a good chance your child has a slight murmur, or something like that. I wouldn't worry until you talk to your doctor. :)Health Question & Answer
I'm not really sure. I'm sorry to hear that [if its bad] , and that you are worried about her. I have no real in depth answer. I'd just search the web. Or Wiki echo cardiogram procedures.Health Question & Answer
Don't be worried, this may just end up being a small heart murmur and that is nothing and very common.Health Question & Answer
abnormal sound could be a heart murmur. He just want to make sure than is nothing serious and they catch on time. My nephew had that and he outgrow and he is OK.Health Question & Answer
It's just a check test. Both my kids had them and they have healthy normal hearts.Health Question & Answer