An echocardiogram, often simply referred to as an "echo," is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound waves to create a live, moving image of your heart. It's a valuable diagnostic tool that allows healthcare professionals to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. Here's what an echocardiogram can detect:
1.
Size and Shape: It can measure the dimensions of the various parts of the heart, including the
heart chambers and the walls of these chambers.
2.
Heart Valves: It assesses the function of the heart valves, looking for any signs of stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking).
3.
Blood Flow: Using Doppler ultrasound, an echo can show how blood moves through the heart and valves, which can help identify any abnormalities in blood flow.
4.
Heart Wall Movement: It can detect any irregularities in the movement of the heart walls, which could indicate conditions like cardiomyopathy.
5.
Heart Muscle: It can evaluate the thickness and motion of the heart muscle, which can be affected by various heart diseases.
6.
Congenital Heart Defects: It is used to diagnose and monitor congenital heart defects in infants and children.
An echocardiogram is particularly useful for diagnosing a wide range of heart conditions, including heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart valve problems, and more.
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