Cardiac Investigations
2D Echo
2D Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is a painless and safe test that uses ultrasound technology to generate real-time images of the heart. Ultrasound involves emitting high-frequency sound waves through a device called a transducer, which captures the echoes produced when the sound waves bounce back from the heart’s structures. These echoes are then converted into detailed images displayed on a monitor, providing valuable information about the heart’s size, shape, and function.
During an echocardiogram, you will lie on a table while a technician applies a gel-like substance on your chest. The transducer, a small handheld device, is then gently moved across different areas of your chest to capture images from various angles. The technician may also ask you to change positions or take deep breaths to improve the quality of the images obtained.
Types of Echocardiograms:
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE): This is the most common type of echocardiogram. The transducer is placed on the chest wall to capture images of the heart’s structures through the chest wall.
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE): In certain cases where a more detailed examination is required, a TEE may be performed. A specialized transducer is inserted through the mouth and esophagus to obtain clearer images of the heart.
Echocardiograms provide valuable information about various aspects of heart health, including:
- Heart size and shape
Weakened or damaged heart valves or other diseases can cause the chambers of your heart to enlarge or the walls of your heart to be abnormally thickened, this is crucial as an abnormally enlarge heart may not be able to pump blood effectively.
- Pumping strength
Specific measurements include the percentage of blood pumped out of a filled ventricle with every heartbeat (ejection fraction) or the volume of blood pumped by the heart in one minute (cardiac output). If your heart isn’t pumping enough blood to meet your body needs, the results could suggest heart failure.
- Damage to the heart muscle
During an echocardiogram, the doctor can determine which parts of the heart that move weakly may have been damaged during a heart attack or be receiving too little oxygen.
- Valve problems
An echocardiogram shows how your heart valves move as your heart beats. The doctor can determine if the valves open wide enough for adequate blood flow or any possibility of blood regurgitation due to malfunction valves.
Echocardiograms, or 2D Echo, play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring various heart conditions. They help doctors identify heart diseases, such as heart valve problems, heart muscle abnormalities, and conditions affecting the heart’s chambers. Echocardiograms are also used to assess the effectiveness of certain treatments or procedures, monitor the progression of heart diseases, and guide surgical interventions when necessary. By understanding the basics of echocardiograms, individuals can better comprehend the significance of this test in assessing their heart health and aiding medical professionals in providing appropriate care.