What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is an essential test that assesses the structures of the heart in real time, including valve thickness, heart muscle, organ length, its functional capacity and blood flow. The test also allows assessment of the heart's great vessels, such as the aorta and the pulmonary artery, providing crucial information about heart health.
How is an echocardiogram performed?
For an echocardiogram, the patient lies on their back on a bed. The specialist physician applies gel to the chest area where the heart is located to facilitate movement of the ultrasound transducer. Images captured by the equipment are transmitted directly to the monitor, allowing the physician to assess heart function and condition in real time. During the test, the physician may ask the patient to make certain breathing movements to improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
