Echocardiography (M-mode, 2D, Doppler)

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging examination that uses ultrasound to assess the structure and function of the heart. The examination provides real-time visualization of the heart chambers, cardiac walls, valves, and major blood vessels, as well as assessment of blood flow through the heart.

The examination combines several ultrasound techniques:

• M-mode – enables precise assessment of the movement of cardiac structures and measurement of the dimensions and thickness of the heart walls;
• 2D (two-dimensional) mode – provides images of cardiac structures in different planes and allows assessment of the heart's anatomy and function;
• Doppler ultrasound – evaluates the direction and velocity of blood flow through the heart chambers and valves, helping to identify possible hemodynamic abnormalities.

Echocardiography provides important information about the size of the heart chambers, cardiac contractile function, the condition of the valves, the thickness and movement of the heart walls, and intracardiac blood flow.

Indications

• chest pain or discomfort;
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
• palpitations or heart rhythm disturbances;
• abnormalities detected on an electrocardiogram (ECG);
• heart murmurs detected during clinical examination;
• arterial hypertension;
• suspected or monitored valvular heart disease;
• suspected or diagnosed heart failure;
• cardiomyopathies;
• congenital or acquired heart defects;
• assessment of cardiac function after myocardial infarction;
• monitoring of cardiovascular diseases and assessment of their progression;
• assessment of heart structure and function upon a physician's recommendation.

Procedure

The examination is generally performed with the patient lying on their back or left side. The physician applies a special gel to the skin of the chest and examines the heart using an ultrasound transducer, obtaining images from several positions.

During the examination, the anatomical structures of the heart, chamber dimensions, wall thickness and motion, valve function, and myocardial contractility are assessed. Doppler ultrasound is used to analyze the direction and velocity of blood flow.

The procedure is non-invasive and does not involve ionizing radiation.

Limitations

The quality of ultrasound images may be affected by the patient's anatomical characteristics, obesity, chest wall deformities, lung conditions, or other factors that may limit ultrasound transmission.

In certain situations, additional cardiac investigations may be required to clarify the diagnosis, as recommended by the physician.

Contraindications

Transthoracic echocardiography has no known absolute contraindications. It is a non-invasive method that does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation and may be repeated whenever medically necessary.

Advantages

• non-invasive and painless method;
• no ionizing radiation;
• real-time assessment of the heart;
• provides information about cardiac structure and function;
• enables assessment of the heart valves and blood flow using Doppler ultrasound;
• may help detect and monitor a wide range of cardiovascular conditions;
• can be repeated for ongoing monitoring of the patient's condition.

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16947-echocardiogram
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echocardiography
https://www.healthline.com/health/echocardiogram
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/echocardiogram
https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/diagnosing-echocardiogram
https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/echocardiogram-echo
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/echocardiogram/about/pac-20393856

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided here is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any pain or exacerbation of a medical condition, it is essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnostic testing. Only a qualified healthcare professional can make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment. To obtain the most accurate and consistent assessment of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use different methods and units of measurement for similar tests.