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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Resting echocardiogram with advanced strain imaging

Diagnostics & Exams

A resting echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart performed while you lie comfortably on an exam table. Our protocol adds global longitudinal strain (GLS) analysis, which tracks how each segment of the heart muscle stretches and contracts with every beat. This deformation measurement reveals subtle weakening of the muscle long before the standard ejection fraction drops, giving Dr. Kedan an earlier window into changes that traditional echo can miss. The study evaluates chamber size and pumping strength, valve structure and function, pressures inside the heart and lungs, the lining around the heart, and the great vessels — and is particularly valuable for monitoring hypertensive heart disease, valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and patients receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapy.

What's Included

  • High-resolution 2D imaging of all four chambers and valves
  • Doppler flow analysis across each valve
  • Global longitudinal strain (GLS) and segmental strain maps
  • Estimation of pulmonary artery pressures
  • Pericardial assessment
  • Same-day review of images and measurements with Dr. Kedan
  • Comparison with prior studies when available

How It's Performed

The study is performed in our Beverly Hills office. You change into a gown, lie on your left side, and the sonographer applies water-based gel to the chest, then moves the ultrasound probe across several positions on the rib cage, under the breast, and near the upper abdomen. You may feel firm pressure as the probe is angled between ribs to capture clean views. Strain imaging requires additional dedicated views and careful tracing of the muscle borders, so plan on 45 to 60 minutes in the imaging room.

How to Prepare

  • No fasting or medication holds required — eat and take medications as usual.
  • Wear something easy to remove on top; you will change into a gown.
  • Avoid lotions or oils on the chest the morning of the visit.
  • Bring a current medication list and any prior imaging reports for comparison.
  • Plan to lie still on your left side for the duration of the scan.

What to Expect After

There is no recovery — you can eat, drive, and resume normal activity immediately. Dr. Kedan personally reviews your images and discusses the findings with you during the same visit; you won't be sent home to wait for a follow-up call. We walk through the measurements, the strain map, what they mean for your specific situation, and any next steps before you leave the office. The study can be safely repeated as often as clinically needed without cumulative risk.

Indications

  • Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, palpitations, or unexplained fatigue
  • Known or suspected valve disease
  • Hypertensive heart disease or family history of cardiomyopathy
  • Surveillance during or after cardiotoxic chemotherapy
  • Workup of newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation
  • Baseline assessment in advanced cardiovascular risk evaluation
  • Follow-up after prior abnormal echo or change in clinical status

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a resting echocardiogram with strain imaging and how does it work?
A resting echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart performed while you lie comfortably on an exam table. The advanced piece is global longitudinal strain (GLS) analysis, which tracks how each segment of the heart muscle stretches and contracts with every beat. This deformation measurement reveals subtle weakening of the muscle long before the standard ejection fraction drops, giving Dr. Kedan an earlier window into changes that traditional echo can miss.
Why would Dr. Kedan order a resting echo with strain imaging?
It's used to evaluate symptoms like shortness of breath, chest discomfort, palpitations, or unexplained fatigue, and to track patients with known valve disease, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, or a family history of heart failure. Strain imaging is also valuable for anyone undergoing or recovering from cancer treatments that can affect the heart, since it detects chemotherapy-related changes earlier than standard measurements. If you're considering this evaluation, you can contact the practice or call (310) 304-5555.
How do I prepare for the echocardiogram?
There's essentially no preparation. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications as you normally would. We'll ask you to change into a gown so the sonographer has clean access to the chest wall, so it helps to wear something easy to remove on top. Bring a list of your current medications and any prior imaging reports you have available.
Is the test painful or uncomfortable?
No. A water-based gel is applied to the chest, and a smooth ultrasound probe is moved across several positions on the rib cage, under the breast, and near the upper abdomen. You may feel firm pressure as the sonographer angles the probe between ribs to capture clean views, but there are no needles, no radiation, and no recovery time. Most patients find the study relaxing.
How long does the study take?
Plan on roughly 45 to 60 minutes in the imaging room. Strain imaging requires additional dedicated views and careful tracing of the muscle borders, so it takes longer than a basic screening echo — but the extra time is what allows us to extract the early-detection data that defines this study.
What does the echocardiogram actually show?
It evaluates the size and pumping strength of all four chambers, the structure and function of each valve, the pressure inside the heart and lungs, the lining around the heart, and the great vessels as they leave the chest. Strain analysis layers on a region-by-region map of muscle performance, often picking up dysfunction in specific walls that corresponds to a particular coronary artery — useful information when deciding whether further testing is warranted.
Are there any risks or side effects?
There are none. Cardiac ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation or contrast dye, and nothing is injected or swallowed. It's one of the safest tests in cardiology and can be repeated as often as clinically needed without cumulative risk.
When will I get my results?
At Cardiolucent, Dr. Kedan personally reviews your images and discusses the findings with you during the same visit — you won't be sent home to wait for a follow-up call. We'll walk through the measurements, what they mean for your specific situation, and any next steps before you leave the office.
Does insurance cover this study?
Cardiolucent does not accept Medicare or insurance and bills patients directly. We provide a detailed superbill after your visit that you can submit to your insurance carrier for out-of-network reimbursement. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend checking your out-of-network benefits in advance if reimbursement matters to your decision.
How is this different from a standard echocardiogram?
A standard echo reports overall pumping function and major valve issues. Strain imaging adds a quantitative, segment-by-segment map of how the muscle is actually working, which can flag early dysfunction when the ejection fraction still looks normal. For patients being monitored long term — chemo recipients, athletes, those with hypertension or valve disease — that earlier signal often changes management.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.