What is echocardiography?
echocardiography is a type of medical imaging that is used to visualize the heart to evaluate heart conditions or diagnose suspected heart problems. It is also known as heart ultrasound and can simply be referred to as "heart echo" or "echo". Depending on the type of echocardiography, this type of ultrasound imaging may be very invasive or minimally invasive and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure in a hospital or clinic. The converter reads the sound waves when it returns and creates a map of the inside of the chest based on the ways of changing the sound waves. Modern ultrasonic machines are able to generate high -resolution images and it is also possible to create a three -dimensional echocardiogram that provides an even higher level of detail.
In basic echocardiography, the converter is manipulated along the chest, with a conductive gel that ensures that the sound waves are transmitted through the thoracic wall. In the transesofageal echo is ultrasound gearboxIn fact, it is inserted into the neck and provides a clear image without disturbing the ribs. The basic echocardiographic procedure is non -invasive and comfortable for the patient, while the transesophageal procedure can be very unpleasant, even if it provides a more reliable image.
different types of heart images can be obtained with heart ultrasound. Static images providing information about heart structures can be very useful, as well as video images that document the heart in action. Video images can be used to measure the heart output and it is also possible to watch dyes and trackers to check the leaks around the valves. Some ultrasonic machines Generate Color images for larger contrast to make the echocardiogram easier to read.
This procedure can be performed by a physician or ultrasonic technician. If the test is performed by a technician, the patient may be waiting for several hours or days for the test results interpretedM or a heart specialist while a doctor may be able to discuss the results immediately. Echocardiography is only one tool in the arsenal of options that can be used to study heart for health reasons, but can provide a large amount of information with a minimum of discomfort and expenditure for the patient.