Echocardiography (EchoCG) is a modern, safe and non-invasive method widely used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. This method occupies a major place among the instrumental methods in cardiology.
What is the research?
Echocardiography is essentially an examination of the heart with ultrasound waves, based on the varying ability of heart structures to reflect these waves. It represents in real time the structure and function of the heart, as well as the movement of blood flow through the heart cavities and great vessels. Modern devices are also equipped with Doppler diagnostics, which helps to evaluate the strength, gradient and direction of blood flow through the heart and vessels.
Why is it necessary?
Echocardiography and Doppler echocardiography provide real-time images of the heart. The research is used to:
assessment of overall left ventricular function, including reduced wall motion, aneurysm, intracavitary thrombi and ventricular wall hypertrophy, ejection fraction/shortening, and other hemodynamic parameters
to assess right ventricular and right atrial hemodynamics
diseases of the valve apparatus – mitral stenosis, mitral insufficiency, tricuspid stenosis, tricuspid
assessment of blood flow through the valves – gradient, speed, direction of blood flow
hereditary cardiac malformations and anomalies
endocarditis and presence of vegetations on the valvular apparatus
pericardial effusions
cardiomyopathies
to assess blood flow through the heart and arteries
Are there risks to the patient?
There are no risks associated with conducting conventional echocardiography.
Is there patient preparation?
No prior preparation for the study is required. You can take your regular medications and eat as usual.
What to expect during the examination?
During the examination, the patient is undressed to the waist and lies on his left side or on his back. A little gel is placed on the transducer – the tip of the device – to get a better image. Images of the heart are obtained on the device screen in real time.
The duration of the study is 15 – 30 min.
Results
The results are saved on paper or electronic media and the reading is done immediately. After the examination, you can resume your usual activities.
