So the procedures were really benign in that they were not intrusive...but they may show the reason for the stroke. We shall see.
Sticky patches or electrodes are attached to the chest and shoulders and connected to electrodes or wires. These help to record the electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) during the echocardiography test. The EKG helps in the timing of various cardiac events (filling and emptying of chambers). A colorless gel is then applied to the chest and the echo transducer is placed on top of it. The echo technologist then makes recordings from different parts of the chest to obtain several views of the heart. You may be asked to move form your back and to the side. Instructions may also be given for you to breathe slowly or to hold your breath. This helps in obtaining higher quality pictures. The images are constantly viewed on the monitor. It is also recorded on photographic paper and on videotape. The tape offers a permanent record of the examination and is reviewed by the physician prior to completion of the final report.
The additional use of Doppler helps to identify abnormal leakage across heart valves and determine their severity. Doppler is also very useful in diagnosing the presence and severity of valve stenosis (pronounced stee-no-sis) or narrowing. Remember, unlike echocardiography, Doppler follows the direction and velocity of blood flow rather than the movement of the valve leaflets or components. Thus, reversed blood direction is seen with leakages while increased forward velocity of flow with a characteristic pattern is noted with valve stenosis.
Some good description
- Doppler ultrasound test — Uses high-frequency sound waves to detect blockages in the carotid artery. A Doppler probe or instrument capable of generating ultrasound waves is placed on the neck very near to the carotid artery. Ultrasound waves from the probe travel through the neck and bounce off the moving blood cells. The reflected sound wave, now returning to the probe at a different frequency, is then detected by the same probe. The change in frequency of the sound waves relates to the speed of the blood cells and thus the blood flow. This test takes an hour or more, and causes no discomfort.
- Carotid phonoangiography — A sensitive microphone is placed on the neck, very close to the carotid artery, to record sounds. Ordinarily, in a normal artery, blood flows in a smooth and controlled manner. However, the presence of blockages, such as those caused by atherosclerosis, causes the blood flow to become turbulent. This turbulent blood flow can create a sound, called a bruit (BROO'e), that can be detected and registered by the microphone. The presence of a bruit may indicate a blockage in the carotid artery and is cause for more tests.
Stroke Tests
Of course I had the Doppler that has another name that is gone out of my head. They looked at the arteries in both my temples and above the ear area, both of my eyes, just under both side of my chin and both sides of the spine. Then they put in an IV drew blood, added air and agitated it and shot it in while looking at the arteries. This was done with me normal, holding breath, holding breath and abdominal contractions and then holding and moving a gage 40 marks while exhaling. It was all rather interesting and eerie to hear my own blood moving through my arteries.
No results yet. But the main thing they are looking for is a hole in the heart (supposedly we are all born with this) it was always thought that it usually closes up but they are now finding that 1 in 4 or 5 people it does not. This can create an eddy in the heart chambers where a blood clot can form. Rather interesting. So if there is one they do the surgery through a catheter. But at least I have more information this time. Just forgot what this was called exactly.
I am thankful that the day is over and work is over as I have a splitting headache.
Peace.
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