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Echocardiography is an examination of the structural components of the heart in a minimally invasive manner. It produces finely detailed images of the heart's structure, including its chambers, valves, and blood vessels, using ultrasound waves. This test aids in diagnosing abnormalities, evaluating the heart's function, and directing the course of treatment for conditions like congenital heart defects, heart murmurs, and heart failure.
By analysing the structure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels, Fetal Echocardiogram Manipal Hospitals allows for the evaluation of blood flow and the function of the heart's pumping chambers. The most common type of echocardiogram is the transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), which involves placing a transducer on the chest to capture real-time measurements of the heart’s size, structure, and function throughout the cardiac cycle. This detailed assessment helps clinicians diagnose and monitor heart conditions effectively.
Echocardiography employs high-frequency sound waves (also known as ultrasound) to create moving images of your heart. Sound waves are transmitted through the body via a device known as a transducer. The sound waves bounce off the heart's structures and return to the transducer as echoes, which are then converted into visual images on a monitor, allowing for the assessment of the heart’s function and structure.
An echo test allows your healthcare provider to examine the structure of your heart and assess how well it performs. The test enables your healthcare team to determine:
Your heart's size and shape, as well as the thickness and movement of its walls,
How your heart moves during each beating,
The heart's pumping ability,
If the heart valves are functioning properly,
If blood leaks backwards from your heart valves (regurgitation),
If the cardiac valves become too thin (stenosis),
If a tumour or infectious growth has formed around your heart valves,
The test will also help your healthcare team determine if you have:
Problems with your heart's exterior lining (pericardium)
Problems with the main blood vessels that enter and exit the heart
Abnormal spaces between the chambers of the heart
There are many types of echocardiography you undergo. Surgeons will educate you about the echo and its importance for heart disease testing.
Intracardiac Echocardiography (ICE): It is a newer type of testing in which a catheter is used to insert the ultrasound probe into the heart to take detailed images of the heart.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): The most common type of echocardiography is a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), which is non-invasive and takes place totally outside of your body. A healthcare provider administers gel to your chest and uses a handheld transducer to scan your heart.
3D Echocardiography: This technique creates three-dimensional images of the heart using cutting-edge technology. It is particularly useful for evaluating congenital cardiac defects, complex heart valve issues, and left ventricular function.
M-mode Echocardiography: This type of echocardiography produces a single-dimensional image and is the most basic. Its main application is to measure the size and movement of the heart's valves and walls.
Stress Echocardiogram: This test combines echocardiography with exercise or medication that mimics the effect of exercise on the heart. Images are taken both at rest and after exertion to evaluate how well the heart functions under stress.
Doppler Echocardiography: The technique measures and evaluates the speed and direction of blood flow via the heart's valves and chambers. It's especially helpful in identifying irregular blood flow patterns, like those brought on by problems with valves.
An echocardiogram is useful to reveal the following about the heart:
Size and form: Indicate if the heart is enlarged, reduced in size, or of an unusual shape.
Wall thickness indicates whether the heart's walls are thicker, thinner, or normal.
Valves: Demonstrate how well the heart valves open and close, as well as the presence of regurgitation (leakage) or stenosis (narrowing).
Pumping function: Shows the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. Indicate whether there are any additional cardiac anomalies, like blood clots, tumours, or infections.
An echocardiogram is a test that produces images of your heart by using sound waves. You will lie down on an examination table for the procedure. A specialist will put a gel on your chest to improve the transmission of sound waves. Subsequently, a transducer—a tiny device—will be moved across your chest. The device emits sound waves that bounce back to your heart after striking it. The structure and function of your heart are shown in real time on a screen due to these echoes. The process typically takes between thirty to sixty minutes and is painless. You may be asked to shift positions or hold your breath for a short while if more information is required. The gel will be cleaned following the test and you can return to your normal activities.
Before you go for an echocardiogram, you need to follow the given instructions:
Do not eat or drink anything but water for four hours before the test (a resting or regular echocardiogram does not require this).
Take off any necklaces or jewellery from around your neck and chest area to ensure clear imaging.
If you smoke, refrain from smoking on the day of the test.
Your surgeon will tell you whether to continue with your current medication or not before going for an echocardiogram.
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