About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
2D Echocardiography (2D Echo) – An Overview
Introduction
2D Echocardiography, commonly known as 2D Echo, is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess the structure and function of the heart. It utilizes ultrasound waves to create real-time images of the heart’s chambers, valves, walls, and blood flow.
Why is 2D Echo Important?
- Detects Heart Diseases: Helps identify structural abnormalities, valve disorders, and heart muscle function issues.
- Assesses Heart Function: Measures ejection fraction, which indicates how well the heart pumps blood.
- Evaluates Blood Flow: Detects issues like valve stenosis, regurgitation, and congenital heart defects.
- Guides Treatment Decisions: Physicians use results to tailor treatment plans for conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, and cardiomyopathies.
How is a 2D Echo Performed?
- Preparation: Generally, no special preparation is required.
- Procedure: A water-based gel is applied to the chest, and a transducer is moved over the area to capture images.
- Duration: Takes about 30-45 minutes.
- Safety: Completely safe as it does not involve radiation.
Key Information from a 2D Echo Report
- Left Ventricular Function (Ejection Fraction - EF): Normal EF is between 55-70%.
- Chamber Size and Wall Thickness: Helps diagnose hypertrophy or dilation of the heart chambers.
- Valve Function: Checks for narrowing (stenosis) or incompetency (regurgitation).
- Pericardial Effusion: Assesses fluid accumulation around the heart.
Who Should Get a 2D Echo?
- Individuals with symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or fainting.
- Those with a history of heart disease or abnormalities.
- Patients requiring cardiac evaluation before surgery.
Summary
2D Echocardiography is an essential tool for diagnosing and monitoring heart diseases. It is safe, non-invasive, and provides valuable insights into cardiac function, helping doctors make informed treatment decisions.
Source recommendations
1. American Society of Echocardiography Guidelines
- https://www.asecho.org/guidelines-search/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30282592/
- https://www.asecho.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Guidelines-for-Performing-a-Comprehensive-Transthoracic-Echocardiographic-Examination-in-Adults.pdf
- https://www.onlinejase.com/content/aseguidelines
- https://www.asecho.org/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Echocardiography
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Recommended-Reading/Cardiovascular-Imaging/Echocardiography
- https://www.asecho.org/guidelines-search/
- https://www.escardio.org/static-file/Escardio/Subspecialty/EACVI/Education/Distance%20learning/Unrestricted%20-%20imaging%20boxes/aortic/Aortic_Toolkit_Guidelines/chamber%20quantification%20reco%20EACVI%20ASE%202015%20EHJCVI.pdf
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16376782/
- https://www.escardio.org/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.