The process of recording the structure of the heart with sound is referred to as echocardiography. It is also referred to as ECHO or a sonogram of the heart or a cardiac ultrasound. Ultrasounds are usually preferred for liquid filled structures like the heart as water or liquids conduct sound very quickly. However, ultrasound imaging of the heart uses special transducers, wands and frequencies to record different parts of the heart, their working processes, the flow of blood inside the heart, pressure inside the heart and even the movement of individual blood cells inside the heart.
Uses of Echocardiography
Common procedures that are carried out with echocardiography include the following ultrasoundmachines
•Diagnosis, management and follow up of patients who are suspected of medical conditions or who have existing medical conditions.
•The procedure can also be done to diagnose the size and structure of the heart along with the size of individual chambers of the heart. This is particularly relevant as the chambers of the heart can have defects that can be detected on the ultrasound.
•The movement of blood inside the heart can be tracked with special ultrasounds that will detect patterns of blood flow along with speeding and slowing down of blood through the heart. The ultrasound can also detect backflows of blood through the heart due to defects in the heart muscle and valves.
•Using a detailed ultrasound will also result in an accurate detection of any heart wall ischemia that might be associated with heart wall disease.
•Echocardiography will also help you to detect cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic heart problems, etc.
Types of Echocardiography
Due to the intricate nature of the heart and the large workload that it deals with, a huge range of ultrasound procedures are commonly used. The most commonly used procedures to diagnose problems of the heart include the following-
•Transthoracic Echocardiography is a very common procedure as it is painless. ultrasoundmachines The transducer is placed on the chest and it sends detailed images of the heart to the computer screen
•Stress Echocardiography is done by combining echocardiography with a stress exercise test. A technician will connect the patient to an ECG machines while making the patient work out on a treadmill
•Transesophageal Echocardiography produces central superior views of the heart as the transducer is placed inside the esophagus or your throat. This allows the doctor to get accurate pictures of the heart, the aorta and other vessels entering or leaving the heart.
•Fetal Echocardiography is extremely important is difficult pregnancies and extended labors. The machine and its leads are connected to the mothers abdomen to detect fetal distress. A normal fetal echo is usually done in the 18-22nd week of life.
•Three-Dimensional Echocardiography is one of the best procedures that provide intricate pictures of the working heart. The transducer records images that are sent to a computer and combined to produce a 3D image that can be rotated to produce an image.
What to expect before, during and after the procedure?
Usually, you can eat or drink anything before normal echocardiography procedures except during transesophageal procedures. Before a transesophageal echo, ultrasoundmachinespatients have to refrain from food for 8 hours befor the procedure. The procedure is completely painless and is completed in 30 minutes or more. You can go back to your normal activities after you have completed the test.