What is echocardiography of the heart?

**Introduction** As the most important organ of the body, the heart should always be closely monitored. One of the most accurate, safe and common methods of examining the heart's function and structure is echocardiography. This method uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce live and accurate images of the heart. With its help, you can check the condition of the valves, walls, heart cavities and the amount of blood supply; That too without the slightest pain or invasion. **How is echocardiography of the heart performed?** In echocardiography, the doctor or technician moves a device called a probe over the patient's chest. This device sends high-frequency sound waves to the heart and the reflection of these waves displays a detailed image of the structure and movement of the heart on the monitor. In many cases, along with the image, the sound of pulsation and blood flow can also be heard. This method is similar to ultrasound, but for the heart. **Types of echocardiography** of the heart There are different types of echocardiography that are chosen by the doctor depending on the needs and conditions of the patient: **1. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)** The most common type of echo is done from the chest. The patient lies on his back and the probe is moved on the chest. **2. Echo Mary (TEE)** In cases where more detailed images are needed, a probe is inserted through the mouth into the esophagus to get a closer look at the heart. It is especially useful for checking valves, clots or heart infections. **3. Stress Echo** In this type, echo is performed during or immediately after exercise (or injection of drugs to increase the heart rate) to check the heart's function under stressful conditions. **4. Doppler Echo** It is used to check the direction and speed of blood flow in the heart and blood vessels. It is very useful in diagnosing insufficiency or stenosis of the valves. **5. 3D Echo (3D Echo)** It is an advanced version of Echo that provides more detailed images in three dimensions, especially before surgery or valve replacement. **Echocardiography of the heart is recommended for which patients?** Echo is a very valuable method for diagnosing and following up a wide range of heart diseases: - Chest pain or pressure - Shortness of breath or sudden weakness - Examination of heart valves (stenosis, insufficiency) - Follow-up of congenital heart diseases - Evaluation of the function of the ventricles - Examining the presence of a clot, mass or infection in the heart - Checking heart function after heart attack or surgery **advantages of echocardiography** of the heart - **Non-invasive and painless** - **No need for radiation** (unlike CT or radiography) - **Immediate and interpretable results in the same session** **Can be done for all ages, even fetuses** - **Detailed information about the size of the heart, the thickness of the walls and the efficiency of the valves** **Difference of echo with echocardiography, angiography and nuclear scan **Does echocardiography hurt? no Echo is one of the simplest medical imaging methods. The patient lies on the bed and only a little cold gel is applied to the skin to help the probe move better. Sedation may be used in echo esophagus, but it is still painless and safe. **Is there a need for special preparation for echo? For a conventional (transthoracic) echo, no special preparation is required. But for Echo Mary: - You must fast 4 to 6 hours before - Dentures must be removed - It is recommended to bring someone with you to return home How long does an echocardiogram last? The usual duration of echo is between **15 and 30 minutes**. In special cases or more specialized types, it may take a little longer. **Does echocardiography have complications? Echocardiography of the heart is known as a safe method and no special complications have been reported for it. In rare cases, echoesophagus may cause temporary sore throat or nausea, which resolves quickly. **Echo during pregnancy Echo is a safe method for mother and fetus. In pregnant women with cardiac symptoms or a history of congenital heart disease, echo can be very helpful. It is also used to check the health of the fetus (fetal echo). Echocardiography repetition: how often? Depending on the clinical situation, the doctor may recommend repeating the echo at regular intervals: - In progressive valvular diseases: every 6 to 12 months - After a heart attack: usually during the first days - In patients with heart failure: depending on symptoms and treatment - In asymptomatic patients: there is usually no need to repeat frequently unless prescribed by a doctor **Summary Echocardiography of the heart is an accurate, safe and non-invasive method to examine the structure and function of the heart. Using ultrasound waves, the doctor can evaluate the condition of valves, heart muscles, blood flow and pressure inside the heart. This method is widely used in the diagnosis, follow-up and even screening of heart diseases. If you have shortness of breath, chest pain, a family history of heart disease, or suspicious symptoms, an ultrasound can be a vital step for early diagnosis and timely treatment. Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/echocardiogram/about/pac-20393856 https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/echocardiogram-echo