Echocardiogram (Echo)

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is proud to have one of the most comprehensive medical imaging suites in the Upper Peninsula. By combining state-of-the-art technology and the expertise of our highly-qualified team of ARDMS certified technologists, we offer you nothing but the very best in healthcare. 

Heart ultrasounds, also known as echocardiography, a diagnostic cardiac ultrasound, or an echo, is one of the radiology services that we offer. If you are already scheduled for an echo, all you need to do on the day of your procedure is check-in at the main registration desk. After this, you will need to check-in at the Medical Imaging reception desk. Click here to view the hospital map. 

For you to be thoroughly prepared for your upcoming echo at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, read on – because we’ll discuss all that you need to know.

What Is an Echo?

An echo is also known as a heart ultrasound, an echocardiogram, or diagnostic cardiac ultrasound. The objective of this procedure is to capture a graphic outline of the heart and its movement. 

In an echo, high-frequency sound waves called ultrasound come from a hand-held device known as a transducer. The transducer is placed on the patient’s chest (for transthoracic) or into the esophagus (for transesophageal). This then forms pictures of the heart’s chambers and valves. From the images generated here, the sonographer can assess the structure and pumping health of the heart. 

This kind of test is requested by your physician and is commonly combined with other tests such as the Doppler ultrasound and color Doppler so that the blood flow across the heart’s valves can be thoroughly evaluated.

Patient undergoing a heart ultrasound

Why Might You Need an Echo?

Physicians may request an echo to have a closer look at a patient’s heart structure and function. If you have been asked to undergo this test, it can be because the doctor detected an irregular heartbeat or because you have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. 

Through this test, your doctor can find out more about the following:

  • The size of your heart
  • How your heart moves and pumps blood
  • The pumping strength of your heart
  • Whether or not the heart valves are working properly
  • Whether or not the blood is leaking backwards through the valve 
  • Whether or not the heart valves are too narrow 
  • If tumours or infectious growth are present around your heart valves
  • If there are problems with the outer lining of your heart or with the large blood vessels that deliver blood towards and away from the heart
  • If there are blood clots in the heart’s chambers
  • If abnormal holes are present on the heart’s chambers

The findings can then be used to detect the presence of various heart diseases such as:

  • Heart valve disorders (e.g. stenosis, regurgitation, endocarditis)
  • Pericardial disease
  • Myocardial disease
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Cardiac masses
  • Septum abnormalities
  • Congenital heart disease

How to Prepare for an Echo

This procedure does not require any special preparations. You can still eat and take medications as you would normally. However, make sure to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to remove because you will be asked to change into a gown for your echo.

What to Expect During an Echo

This procedure is considered very safe. Unlike other imaging methods, an echo does not use radiation. Furthermore, the technician will make sure that the patient is comfortable in every stage of the procedure.

Transthoracic Echocardiography

The whole test will take about an hour to complete. Here is how the procedure will transpire for transthoracic echocardiography:

First, the technologist will brief the patient on what will be done during the test. And after the patient has changed into their gown, they will be asked to lie down on a table. The technologist will then place small metal disks called electrodes on the patient’s chest. These are connected to an ultrasound machine in order to monitor their heartbeat during the exam. To better see the video monitor, the room will be dark. The technician will then place gel on the patient’s chest to help the sound waves better pass through the skin. The transducer is then passed across the patient’s chest. When the test is done, the technologist will help clean the gel off the patient’s chest.

Transesophageal Echocardiography

The process will be slightly different for an transesophageal echocardiogram. The main difference is that a much smaller transducer will be guided through a thin, flexible tube in the patient’s mouth in order to access the throat. To make this procedure much easier, the patient’s throat will be numbed.

 Transducer probe is passed through the patient’s chest for transthoracic echocardiography

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Echo Results?

It may take several days to a few weeks before you will be able to claim your echo results. This is because the echo’s results are very detailed. Your physician will schedule another appointment with you so that you can discuss the results as well as the next steps to take.

Dr. Nicholas S. Hoeve, DO, FACC

Dr. Nicholas S. Hoeve, DO, FACC

Dr. Hoeve graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Valley State University and earned his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in East Lansing, Michigan. He completed his Internal Medicine residency and Adult Cardiovascular Medicine fellowship at MetroHealth Hospital (University of Michigan Health) in Wyoming, MIchigan. His interests include preventative cardiology and cardiovascular imaging.

Dr. Hoeve is Board Certified in the following areas:

  • Internal Medicine
  • Adult Cardiology
  • Comprehensive Adult Echocardiography
  • Nuclear Cardiology
  • Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation

Find out More Information From Schoolcraft Memorial

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital is a well-trusted, multi-specialty hospital located in the Upper Peninsula. We are on a mission to provide quality health and wellness care to all of our patients. If you want to find out more, you can explore our website to learn all about our services, our physicians, our hospital map, and more. 

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Services

Find A Provider Pay My Bill

Your Trusted First Choice

Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Rural Health Clinic Scheduling Office - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
Hospital Photo Gallery - Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital
IMG_5598
3F8419B5-F11F-4FCF-A8A7-B3C6A037DD2F
Drone overview lake
Rural Health Clinic Exterior
1119_12v2
IMG_0146
ER-Waiting-Room
IMG_3672
IMG_0001
Atrium2
9351980530_462d2ee751_h
9351979310_473cf970ef_k
drone overview 1
62CADCEA-4F61-4799-AD6E-DCE843A20C9D
F30AA05E-024D-4FAA-AE5E-B6978B0BFB65
IMG_5603
IMG_0231 (1)
IMG_1413
PlayPause
previous arrow
next arrow

Read what Patients have to say about Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital

Everyone in the ambulatory care/outpatient surgery were great!! They all made me feel very comfortable and did a great job!!! thank you to the whole outpatient staff and Doctor Rayner..I would recommend Schoolcraft or patient to anyone in need of surgery

Reviewer: Jeremy Sitkoski

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Logo

5 out of 5 stars

The care that was provided by The nurses (Cindy, Felicia Ruth) and staff was exceptional. The entire staff was very friendly and made you feel welcome. We received a call from Felicia the next day to check on my husband to check his pain level and do a follow up. The surgery area from check in to check out was well organized, clean, and up to date. Thank you to all of you for what you do so well and everything beyond your normal duties.

Reviewer: Maureen DesChamps

Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Logo

5 out of 5 stars

Listened to my concerns and gave me options to help with my problems
Simply the best!!
I had my first visit with Andrew Anderson. He was very knowledgeable and took time to answer all my questions. He was up on all new meds for my condition and side effects. Definitely a good experience.
Dr. Rayner explained everything very well and the procedure was painless.
Wonderful very understanding
All went well with the visit.
After 5 years of suffering this serious buzzing inside my head...from a severe case of covid in 2019...the same covid the ceo of Texas roadhouse caught also...he had buzzing in his head so bad it was tinnitus....well look the story up c how the outcome was for him.....now for myself I've been suffering for so long with no answers also....its ruining my life....so I heard Dr.Raynor has years of experience and practiced at mayo clinic and I felt with those credentials I could finally get some answers...I did get some...he gave me a hearing test...and like I've been saying for years ,I'm not hearing it...it's inside my head....I've been laughed at...made fun of in my home town from friends and family saying I'm crazy....so now because of Dr Raynor I at least know now I'm not hearing it....so Dr Raynor is suggesting the next step taking a brain scan...mri...and I'm so excited finally someone is taking me seriously and taking steps to get to the bottom of it! And that's all I want is it to go away....I didn't ask for this...I didn't ask for 2 bouts of covid where I was brought to the brink of death both times...fired from my job by the same clueless foreman...that also thought I was crazy and it was just me being useless on the job...when I was struggling and fighting to hold on to my morgage...my livelihood...only to be fired and refusing to believe that covid was even real....it's real....so Dr Raynor is the first Dr to take me seriously....he also recommended acupuncture!... I'll try anything at this point...so you asked me how my experience was at school craft memorial hospital...is I rate it as a 10.....and want to thank Dr Raynor and his staff...they where very welcoming and nurse Kelly was the first person I talked to and she was compassionate and understanding the suffering I was going threw after I told her this big long debacle of a story...she encouraged me to get services to help me cause I had no where to turn after being fired 2 times....I have a hard time focusing and thinking just to get threw every day...trying to ignore this stupid buzzing....so yes after getting off the phone with nurse Kelly and she told me thar Dr Rayner was the best I finally after 5 years had some hope and she said they would get to the bottom of this problem and after visiting the facilities and taking seriously for once...I feel there is hope now....Thankyou!
They did amazing and gave me answers really fast
Was very comfortable with Jen Casey. Very personable and she explained things so thoroughly. I feel confident in her dealing withy heart issues! Thank you, Jen!
Dr. Rayner and his team were fantastic with my surgery!!
It was wonderful. She took time to listen and answered all my questions. Made me feel very good to be treated so well.
Smooth visit. Great care as always.
Dr Raynor was thorough, explained things regarding my treatment in an unhurried manner. Dr Raynor answered all my questions completely and treated me with respect and concern. I feel I will be well cared for and am confident that I’ve chosen an excellent surgeon.
Doc has an awesome bedside manner and quickly diagnosed my issue
I had surgery yesterday.
Dr Bambach made me feel very comfortable. So lucky to have him at SCMH.
From time I came through the doors,
to the operating room, reception, nurses
What great crew of employees you have
at SCMH
THANK YOU
Lynn Norton.
Very kind and knowledgeable. His calendar was very full, so he went above and beyond to fit me in to see his PA for two week follow-up.
We have had our share of ER visits this year and are always happy to hear Dr Vix is at ER. He is compassionate and caring yet a very good Dr!
Dr. Vicks is professional and very compassionate. We appreciate his care very much.
Dr. Vix was the happiest ER doctor I've ever met, knowledgeable and very likeable
Dr. Rayner and his staff were absolutely amazing. Very good experience being there highly recommend.
Dr Vix is the best he's step by step with you he's the best that's happen to our ER and the staff there today was awesome good job keep up the good work....
Excellent care !
He was amazing!
Very efficient !
Thorough and pleasant t to talk with!
I had cardiac tests done. All staff was professional and great at explaining procedure , assuring comfort . They were also kind cared for my comfort.
Dr. Hoeve is an amazing provider. He is knowledgeable, compassionate and kind. He took time to answer all of my questions throughly and never made me feel rushed. He and his staff provide the kind of care I haven’t seen in decades. 10/10 recommend!