Echocardiography is an imaging method used to examine the structure and function of the heart. This test uses sound waves to evaluate the movement of the heart muscle and valves, the size of the heart chambers, and blood flow. It is widely used for diagnosing conditions such as heart failure, valve diseases, congenital heart defects, and cardiomyopathies.
Echocardiography allows physicians to measure blood flow and pressures within the heart. It is highly effective for detecting early abnormalities in heart function and for monitoring treatment progress. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in identifying damaged areas in patients who have suffered a heart attack and in evaluating the need for surgical intervention.
Commonly known as an “echo” among the public, this method is preferred in the following cases:
- Heart failure: Used to evaluate whether the heart is pumping blood adequately.
- Valve diseases: Provides information about the structure and function of the heart valves, detecting issues such as stenosis or regurgitation.
- Congenital heart defects: Used to detect structural abnormalities present from birth.
- Post-heart attack damage: Assesses the extent of damage to the heart muscle and evaluates its functionality after a heart attack.
- Pericarditis: Detects fluid accumulation caused by inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart).
- Aortic aneurysm: Evaluates the dilation and potential rupture of the aorta.
- Pulmonary hypertension: Assesses high blood pressure in the vessels leading to the lungs.
- Heart infections: Helps detect and evaluate infections in the heart tissue.
Transthoracic Echocardiography
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a non-invasive imaging method used to visualize the heart and assess its function. During this test, an ultrasound device is used to obtain images of the heart from the chest. This method does not require anesthesia and is usually performed while the patient is lying down comfortably.
An echo provides important information to evaluate the size of the heart chambers, the strength of the heart muscle, and the condition of the heart valves. TTE is commonly used to monitor the overall health of the heart and to diagnose heart conditions. With stress echocardiography, the heart’s function during exercise and its response to stress can also be evaluated. This helps in the early detection and planning of treatment for heart diseases.
How is an echocardiography test performed?
TTE is a simple procedure. The patient lies on their back or side while an ultrasound probe is placed on the chest. Sound waves create detailed images of the heart, which are then evaluated by the physician.
The echocardiography test follows these steps:
The patient lies in a back or side position. Gel is applied to the chest to help the ultrasound probe make better contact.
The ultrasound probe is placed on the chest to visualize the heart from different angles. The probe sends out sound waves, which bounce back from the heart to create images.
The device displays the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow on the screen. The physician evaluates the movement of the heart walls, the strength of the heart muscle, and the condition of the valves.
The physician or technician measures important parameters such as the size of the heart chambers and the ejection fraction.
The images are analyzed by the physician, who then creates a report detailing the structural and functional condition of the heart.
After the test, the patient cleans off any remaining gel, and the procedure is complete. In most cases, the patient can immediately resume daily activities.
Normal Values in an Echocardiography Report
An echocardiography report is a detailed document based on test results. It includes important information such as the size of the heart chambers, the condition of the valves, and the speed of blood flow. Physicians use the results to recommend appropriate treatments for the patient.
What does echocardiography show?
Echocardiography can detect abnormalities such as thickening of the heart walls, intracardiac pressures, and fluid accumulation in the pericardium. It is also used to diagnose heart failure, valve diseases, congenital heart defects, and cardiomyopathies.
How long does an echo take?
An echo usually takes between 20 and 45 minutes. The duration can vary depending on the type of echocardiogram and the patient’s condition. Non-invasive tests like transthoracic echocardiography are generally completed in a shorter time, while tests such as stress echocardiography, which involve exercise or medication, may take longer. During the test, the physician captures images from various angles to examine different areas of the heart in detail.
What should the echo values be?
The values measured in an echocardiography report should reflect normal heart function. For example, the ejection fraction (EF), which measures how much blood the heart pumps with each beat, is typically considered normal between 50% and 70%. Other measured values vary depending on the patient’s age, gender, and overall health. Physicians evaluate the echocardiography results in conjunction with the patient’s clinical status to determine whether they are within the normal range.
