Echocardiogram (ECHO)

  • Proficient in performing and interpreting echocardiograms (ECHO) to assess cardiac function, detect abnormalities, and diagnose cardiovascular conditions effectively.

Echocardiogram (ECHO)

An echocardiogram, commonly referred to as an ECHO or cardiac ultrasound, is a non-invasive imaging test used to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. It utilizes sound waves (ultrasound) to create real-time images of the heart's chambers, valves, and surrounding structures.

What is the use?

  • Assessment of Cardiac Structure: Echocardiograms provide detailed images of the heart's anatomy, including the size, shape, and thickness of the heart chambers and valves. This information helps healthcare providers evaluate cardiac structure and detect abnormalities such as hypertrophy, dilatation, or congenital defects.
  • Evaluation of Cardiac Function: Echocardiograms assess cardiac function by measuring parameters such as ejection fraction (EF), which represents the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction. Other parameters, such as fractional shortening and myocardial strain, provide insights into the heart's pumping ability and overall function.
  • Diagnosis of Heart Conditions: Echocardiograms are used to diagnose various heart conditions, including valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, congenital heart defects, and pericardial diseases. The images obtained during the echocardiogram help identify structural abnormalities, assess valve function, and detect signs of heart disease.
  • Assessment of Cardiac Hemodynamics: Echocardiograms evaluate cardiac hemodynamics by assessing blood flow through the heart and major blood vessels. Doppler techniques measure blood flow velocity, direction, and pressure gradients, providing information about cardiac output, valve regurgitation or stenosis, and the presence of intracardiac shunts.
  • Monitoring Disease Progression: Echocardiograms are used to monitor disease progression and treatment response in patients with cardiac conditions. Serial echocardiograms track changes in cardiac structure and function over time, helping healthcare providers adjust treatment plans and optimize patient care.

How does it work?

During an echocardiogram, the patient lies on a table while a trained technician or healthcare provider applies gel to the chest and places a transducer (ultrasound probe) on various locations of the chest wall. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the heart structures and create images on a monitor. These real-time images provide information about the heart's size, shape, wall motion, valves, and blood flow patterns. Doppler techniques may be used to assess blood flow velocity and direction. The entire procedure is painless, non-invasive, and typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. After the echocardiogram, the images and measurements are analyzed by a cardiologist or echocardiography technician to make a diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan.