-
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.
Cardiac Ultrasound (Echocardiography)
Introduction
Cardiac ultrasound, also known as echocardiography, is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique used to assess the structure and function of the heart. It plays a vital role in detecting heart diseases, evaluating heart function, and guiding treatment decisions.
How Does Cardiac Ultrasound Work?
Echocardiography uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create detailed images of the heart. These images help cardiologists analyze the heart's chambers, valves, and overall function.
Types of Cardiac Ultrasound
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE) - The most common type, performed by placing a probe on the chest.
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) - A more detailed approach where a probe is inserted into the esophagus to get closer images of the heart.
- Stress Echocardiogram - Used to assess how the heart functions under physical stress or medication-induced stress.
- Doppler Echocardiography - Helps measure blood flow and detect abnormalities such as valve diseases or congenital heart defects.
Why is a Cardiac Ultrasound Needed?
Echocardiography is used for: - Diagnosing heart failure, valve diseases, and congenital heart defects. - Monitoring heart function in patients with hypertension or coronary artery disease. - Evaluating suspected blood clots or infections in the heart. - Assessing heart performance before surgery.
Benefits and Risks
- Benefits: Non-invasive, painless, no radiation exposure, provides real-time imaging.
- Risks: Minimal; slight discomfort during TEE due to the probe insertion.
Conclusion
Cardiac ultrasound is an essential tool in cardiology, allowing early diagnosis and management of heart-related conditions. If your doctor recommends an echocardiogram, it is a safe and effective way to monitor heart health.
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/guideline/
2. European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Scientific-Documents/Recommendations-and-position-papers
- https://academic.oup.com/ehjcimaging/article/16/1/12/2403250
- https://www.escardio.org/Sub-specialty-communities/European-Association-of-Cardiovascular-Imaging-(EACVI)
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29045589/
- https://academic.oup.com/ehjcimaging/pages/eaci_official_documents
-
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!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.