Can an Echocardiogram Detect Blood Clots in The Heart?
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At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA, we offer diagnostic heart testing that looks at how well each patient’s heart functions. When we study your circulatory system, we learn important information on how to care for your heart. Our board-certified physician in pulmonary medicine, Dr. Avi Ishaaya, offers heart testing as needed. Most of our heart tests, including an echocardiogram, can be done in-house and on the day of your appointment.
Dr. Ishaaya may recommend a patient has a heart test when they are:
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Over the age of 45
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Overweight or obese
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Has a family history of heart disease, diabetes, or stroke
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Live a sedentary life
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Is a smoker or is exposed to second-hand smoke often
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Has polycystic ovary syndrome, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or hypothyroidism
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Has a hormonal imbalance
Signs of a blood clot in the heart
A blood clot in the heart can lead to:
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
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Pain or discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or arms
Some of these signs may signal a pulmonary embolism or heart attack. Blood clots can form when plaque in the heart suddenly bursts. They also can form when the blood doesn’t flow properly. This is why heart testing in Los Angeles, CA is so important as it can evaluate blood flow efficiently.
Heart testing
Regular checkups and testing at Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA allow us to detect the first signs of a heart problem early on. There are no necessary preparations needed before a heart test, meaning you can eat, drink, and take your medicine prior to your appointment. We offer EKG, echocardiograms, stress tests, cardiometabolic testing, arterial ultrasounds, and at-home Holter monitor testing. When we suspect blood clots in the heart, we will perform a Doppler echocardiogram.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram (ECHO) is a noninvasive way to diagnose heart conditions. When you have an ECHO, we will apply a hypoallergenic gel to where the transducer will touch your skin. This ultrasound transducer is placed on the chest or abdominal wall, so Dr. Ishaaya can capture different angles of the heart using sound waves. This is known as a transthoracic echocardiogram. With this heart test, we can study the direction and speed of blood flow through heart valves, blood vessels, and the heart chambers with a Doppler echocardiogram. It is also used to evaluate the circulatory system and to identify blood pressure, changes in heart size, and pumping strength, any damage to the heart muscle, valve issues, any blood clots in the heart, and a blockage.
Understanding your heart test results
Dr. Ishaaya will take time to explain your heart test results at our Los Angeles, CA office. If we find abnormal test results, we will create a custom treatment plan for you. If we are unable to treat what your test results found, we will refer you to a specialist for treatment. A follow-up appointment may be necessary if you had multiple tests.
Evaluate your heart health with heart testing
To live the longest and most healthy life possible, you have to take proper care of your heart. At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers in Los Angeles, CA, we offer many heart tests that can help patients, either as a preventive measure or when symptoms develop. Call our office today to schedule an appointment to learn more about heart testing.