Echocardiographers are ultrasound technologists who study the heart, its chambers valves and vessels. EKG’s, stress testing and Holter monitor procedures are implemented to produce images called echocardiograms. In some instances the patient must be physically active in order to perform a specific exam and is required to walk on a treadmill at varying speeds.
This is what most people commonly associate with the field of ultrasound. It’s primary focus is on the progress and healthy progression of a pregnancy. It is used to monitor the fetal heart beat, birth defects, or an abnormal fetal heartbeat. Gynecological Sonographers focus on imaging and treating the female pelvic area such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, cervix, and bladder.
Ultrasound machines can provide invaluable information about a woman’s pregnancy and her growing baby. The physician is able to determine the gestational age, growth rate and location of the fetus. Also, the ultrasound can be used to find out if there are any abnormalities with the fetus or whether the mother has any problems such as an ectopic pregnancy or whether there are more than one growing baby in her womb. Fetal sex and abnormalities can be misdiagnosed so ultrasound results are not guaranteed to be accurate.