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.
Echocardiography (Echo Ultrasound)
Introduction
Echocardiography, often called "echo," is a non-invasive ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create images of your heart. It helps doctors evaluate heart structure, function, and blood flow, making it a crucial tool in diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular diseases.
Types of Echocardiography
- Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE): The most common form, where an ultrasound probe is placed on the chest to obtain heart images.
- Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE): A probe is inserted into the esophagus, providing clearer images of the heart, especially useful for detecting clots or valve abnormalities.
- Stress Echocardiography: Performed during exercise or with medication to evaluate heart function under stress.
- Doppler Echocardiography: Measures blood flow and pressure in heart chambers to detect valve disease and heart failure severity.
- 3D Echocardiography: Provides highly detailed images, useful for precise evaluation of cardiac structures.
Why is Echocardiography Important?
- Detects heart valve diseases (e.g., stenosis, regurgitation).
- Assesses heart muscle function after a heart attack.
- Helps diagnose cardiomyopathies and congenital heart defects.
- Monitors heart failure progression and treatment effectiveness.
- Evaluates pericardial diseases, like pericarditis and effusion.
How to Prepare for Echocardiography
- For TTE: No special preparation is required.
- For TEE: You may need to fast for several hours before the test.
- For stress echocardiography: Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before the test.
Risks and Limitations
Echocardiography is safe, as it does not involve radiation. However, TEE may cause mild throat discomfort or, in rare cases, complications like minor esophageal injury.
Conclusion
Echocardiography is a vital diagnostic tool in cardiology, offering crucial insights into heart health. Regular monitoring can aid in the early detection of heart diseases, leading to better treatment outcomes.
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 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/article/20/12/1321/5572609
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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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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.
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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.