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What is echocardiography or echo of the heart and what is its use?
Echocardiography (echo of the heart) is a widespread and non-invasive method that uses sound waves that are harmless to humans to image the components of the heart and determine the speed of blood flow.Using this method, a detailed view of the heart walls, valves, and the beginnings of the great arteries can be obtained.The non-invasive nature of this test is one of its special advantages.Echocardiography is based on directing high-frequency sound waves towards the heart and receiving the sound by a special receiver.Depending on the diagnostic information your doctor needs, he or she may order one of several different types of cardiac echocardiography.Each type of echocardiography may have different risks and dangers.
Reasons for prescribing an echocardiogram
Your doctor may recommend an echocardiogram for several reasons:
- Checks whether your heart problems are the cause of your shortness of breath or chest pain.
- Diagnosis of congenital heart defects before birth (fetal echocardiography)
- Check for possible problems with the heart valves or chambers
The type of echocardiogram used depends on the doctor’s information needs.
Types of echocardiography (heart echo)
Simple sound waves are used for imaging and no dangerous radiation or waves are transmitted to the person.
- A two-dimensional echocardiogram creates a detailed picture of the heart’s anatomy and is used to measure the size of the heart and its components, valves, and how well they work. On the other hand, the muscular strength of the heart, and especially the ability of the left ventricle to pump blood out of the heart, can be assessed by echocardiography.
- Another type of echo is called a Doppler echo, which is used to detect the direction and measure the speed of blood flow within the heart and large vessels. In a color Doppler echo, colored images (red and blue) are created, which is an accurate method for evaluating congenital heart abnormalities and valve disorders (stenosis or dilatation).
To accurately diagnose heart problems, sometimes an echocardiogram is performed through the esophagus. Due to the proximity of the esophagus and the heart, clear images of the heart are obtained, which is especially useful in diagnosing aortic disorders, dysfunction of artificial valves, left atrial masses, etc.
Before performing an echocardiogram
- Food and medicines
No prior medical or dietary preparation is required if you are having a standard transesophageal echocardiogram. You can eat, drink, and take medications as usual. If you are having an esophageal echocardiogram or transesophageal echocardiogram, your doctor will ask you not to eat for several hours before the procedure.
- Other precautions
If you are having a transesophageal echocardiogram, you will not be able to drive afterwards because the medications you will likely receive are sedatives. Make sure you can get home without driving.
What does echocardiography show?
•Size and shape of the heart
• How the heart works overall
• Weakness of the wall or part of the heart and the heart not functioning properly
• Heart valve problems
• Presence of a blood clot in the heart
Steps for performing an echocardiogram (heart echo)
The echo is usually painless and usually takes less than an hour; however, if you have a transesophageal echo, you may remain in the doctor’s office or hospital for observation for several hours after the test. Echocardiography can be done in a doctor’s office or a hospital.
For a standard transthoracic echocardiogram:
- You will be asked to remove your upper body from your clothing and lie down on a bed.
- The physician’s assistant attaches electrodes to your body to help detect and guide your heart’s electrical currents.
- The doctor or her assistant will coat the surface of the transducer with a special gel to better transmit and receive sound waves.
- The doctor or technician moves the transducer back and forth on your chest to record images of the sound waves bouncing off your heart. You may hear a sound as the ultrasound waves are recorded.
- You may be asked to breathe a certain way or lean to your left side.
If you have a transesophageal echocardiogram or echocardiogram:
- Your throat will be coated with a spray or gel.
- You will be given a sedative to help you relax.
- A tube containing a transducer is passed down your throat and into your esophagus and is used to take pictures of your heart.