Friends of Persada certainly often hear the term echocardiography during medical check-ups, right? If you have heard it often, you certainly know what Echocardiography is.
However, what is the purpose of the examination with the Echocardiography tool? In this article, Persada Hospital would like to invite you to understand in more detail about the Echocardiography examination.
Echocardiography is a test that uses sound waves to create moving images of your heart. The resulting images can show the size and shape of your heart. As well as how well your heart is pumping blood.
Echocardiography is performed to assess the anatomy and function of the heart. In general, this tool is used to assess heart wall movement, assess heart function such as in patients suspected of having heart failure, assess structural disorders of the heart for example in patients who have valve abnormalities or in patients with congenital heart defects. In addition, Echocardiography can also be used in patients with suspected infections of the heart (pericarditis, myocarditis or endocarditis), as well as to identify blood clots or masses in the heart, as well as fluid buildup in the lining of the heart (pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade).
TTE is one of the most performed types of cardiac echocardiography. It involves placing a special device called a transducer that sends sound waves or ultrasound waves into the heart wall. When the waves are reflected back by the heart wall, the pattern of the reflections will be recorded on the device and produce a picture of the condition of your heart.
If transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is not able to produce a clear picture of the aorta, the doctor can perform an examination using the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) method. During the examination, the doctor will insert a special instrument into the throat and then
continue to the esophagus. This will give a clearer picture of the heart. Currently, TEE procedures are also performed as an adjunct to cardiac interventional procedures such as the closure of congenital heart defects such as atrial septal defect (ASD) closure as well as other congenital heart defects and are also used to evaluate cardiac surgical procedures.
The three-dimensional echocardiography examination can be performed in the TTE or TEE procedure. This procedure is used so that doctors can get a three-dimensional image of the heart. Thus, its structure can be seen more clearly.
Echocardiographic examination of the heart with stress echocardiography is done by exercising (treadmill or ergocycle) or giving special drugs by the doctor. The aim is to make the heart beat faster.
During treadmill action, images of your heart will be taken before and shortly after exercise, or if with an ergocycle procedure or drug administration, images will be taken before, during and after the procedure is complete. Some heart diseases such as coronary heart disease are more easily detected with this method.
Fetal echocardiography is performed on pregnant women with a gestational age of 18-22 weeks to detect heart disease in the fetus. During the examination, an electrode valve will be attached to the mother's abdomen. This procedure is safe for both the fetus and the mother.
Echocardiography has the function or benefit of helping to diagnose and monitor the condition of your heart. This is done by examining the structure of the heart and surrounding blood vessels.
According to the American Heart Association, it is also explained that Echocardiography serves to check how well a person's heart functions and helps doctors to find out the following conditions:
1. Heart size and shape
2. Thickness, and movement of the heart wall
3. Power of the heart when pumping
4. Assess heart valves (heart valve leakage/regurgitation or heart valve narrowing/stenosis)
5. Masses, tumors, vegetations of the heart
In general, echocardiography can detect various types of heart diseases such as:
1. Heart failure
2. Congenital heart disease
3. Cardiomyopathy
4. Endocarditis
5. Pericardial disease
6. Heart valve disease
7. Aortic aneurysm
8. A blood clot in the heart (thrombus) 8.
9. Heart tumors
Also Read: Minimally Invasive Heart Surgery, Its Purpose and Risks
Symptoms of heart disease are often similar to other diseases, even in the early stages are often misunderstood as symptoms of other diseases. As a first step, it is best to get your heart health under control as early as possible at the nearest hospital.
Persada Hospital is a heart hospital in Malang that has comprehensive heart facilities and services. Supported by technology, competent doctors, and the best team, we can handle a variety of heart problems while still collaborating with patient families for moral support. We are also equipped with echocardiography equipment.
Visit Persada Hospital's Cardiac Center for further heart health control before it's too late. Check the schedule of Persada Hospital's cardiologist to make a consultation visit at the cardiac clinic. Also learn the latest health information through Persada Hospital's article page. For more information about medical treatments, contact the Persada Hospital hotline at 0811-3058-8585.
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