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: A Key Test in Cardiology
Introduction
Echocardiography (often called an “echo”) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses ultrasound waves to create pictures of the heart. It allows doctors to examine the heart’s structure and function in real-time.
Why is an Echocardiogram Important?
- Assessing Heart Function: It helps evaluate how well the heart’s chambers and valves are working.
- Detecting Heart Diseases: It can identify conditions such as heart valve disorders, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart disease, and pericardial disease.
- Monitoring Treatment: Doctors use it to track the progress of heart disease and assess how well treatments or interventions are working.
Types of Echocardiograms
- Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): The most common type, performed by placing an ultrasound probe on the chest.
- Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): A probe is inserted through the esophagus for clearer imaging, often used in detailed valve or clot examinations.
- Stress Echocardiogram: Used to assess how the heart functions under stress, typically with exercise or medication.
- Doppler Echocardiography: Measures blood flow and pressure in the heart’s chambers.
- 3D Echocardiography: Provides a more detailed, three-dimensional view of the heart's structures.
Risks and Preparation
- Generally safe with no radiation exposure.
- TTE requires no preparation, while TEE may require fasting and sedation.
- Patients should follow specific doctor’s instructions for stress or transesophageal echocardiograms.
Interpretation of Results
- Normal function suggests a healthy heart.
- Abnormal findings may indicate valve disease, heart failure, fluid around the heart, or congenital defects.
If your doctor recommends an echocardiogram, it’s a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring 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/
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!
Our advantages:
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.