Now is a great time to be an echocardiographer, because employment is predicted to grow faster than average. There is great demand for employees in the health care field in the U.S., largely because the number of older people is growing larger. This blog will offer information about the field of echocardiography, so that those considering it can make a more informed decision.

One thing that an echocardiographer does often is give sonograms of the heart. An echocardiograher gives sonograms of the heart by using special equipment that generates high frequency sound waves and directs them into a patient’s body. The sonogram equipment then collects the reflected echoes and forms an image that can be photographed or videotaped. An echocardiographer explains the procedure to patient and records the patient’s medical history. Then, an echocardiographer sets the equipment at the correct settings, and moves the patient into the best position for scanning. The echocardiographer looks at the screen during the scan and takes measurements, analyzes the results, checks for anything unusual, and stores the images that the physician will want to see.

Another common thing that an echocardiographer will do is give electrocardiograms of the heart. To do this an echocardiographer will place electrodes on the patient’s chest, arms, and legs. Then, the echocardiographer will use an EKG machine to get a reading. The EKG is printed out by the echocardiographer and given to the physician to interpret.

An echocardiographer can expect to be on his/her feet much of the time. Echocardiographer often have to lift and turn patients, so there is a risk for carpel tunnel syndrome and neck and back strain. Also, an echocardiographer will sometimes work in darkened rooms, so eye strain can be a risk. Most echocardiographers work 40 hours per week, but flexible schedules are common.

To become an echocardiographer, one needs to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in echocardiography. It is also possible to obtain an associate or bachelor’s degree in radiography, then get a certificate in echocardiography afterwards. Often, an echocardiographer who wants to be in a managerial position will need to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Learn about hiring an echocardiographer or find a job as an echocardiographer.

Source:

1. December 18, 2007.  Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians.  U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos100.htm

Echocardiography has been used for a long time, but the use is growing. There have been several interesting studies done recently aimed at improving the use of echocardiography.

One study used stress echocardiography at rest and then during stress. The results were useful because they were able to tell high risk women from others.

Another study was able to use echocardiography to identify diabetics who were at risk for heart disease, but did not have any symptoms yet.

A third study used echocardiography with a contrast agent to make abnormalities easier to see. They looked at patients who had chest pain and were able to successfully identify which might be having a heart attack, and which were having low risk pain. This could save money for patients with low risk chest pain, because they wouldn’t have to have follow up tests or stay in the hospital.

These studies show that the scope of echocardiography can grow to provide more benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that echocardiography can help identify people who have a high risk of heart disease before they have any symptoms. This way, doctors can start making recommendations and treating them early.

Learn more about hiring Echocardiographers.

Source:

1. Reinberg, Steven (2007, June 15) Echocardiography Helps Identify Heart Disease. HealthDay http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=605602