Echocardiography for children with cardiology consultation

It is recommended to present the results of previous cardiological tests to your doctor.

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An echocardiogram (ECG) is also known as a cardiac ultrasound. It is a precise method based on recording blood flow in the heart chambers and blood vessels. The test allows for the assessment of the anatomical structures of the heart – wall thickness and chamber size. It records the movement of the heart muscle and valves, as well as their degree of stenosis or regurgitation, and heart contractility. It allows for the detection of intracardiac shunts in congenital defects. The parameters illustrate changes in blood flow velocity within the atria and ventricles of the heart, large blood vessels such as the aorta, vena cava, artery, pulmonary veins, and coronary vessels. It is a painless test and carries no risk to the patient.
The purpose of the test: to quickly assess the structure and function of heart valves, measure the size and function of the heart chambers, determine the circulatory capacity of the heart, and diagnose heart defects.

• suspected heart defects,
• arterial hypertension,
• circulatory system diseases,
• ischemic heart disease,
• myocarditis,
• endocarditis,
• heart rhythm disturbances,
• myocardial hypertrophy,
• stiffness of the heart chambers (so-called cardiomyopathy),
• cardiopulmonary diseases,
• assessment of contractility in coronary artery disease and other heart diseases.

In patients with a BMI over 35 (obese) and COPD, a transesophageal echocardiogram is recommended. In obese individuals, the thickness of the adipose tissue and closely spaced ribs prevent a thorough examination. Similarly, in individuals with emphysema, the large lung volumes complicate detailed analysis. The diagnostic value of a transthoracic echocardiogram is very low because it is impossible to see, for example, cardiac flow and all cardiac structures.

Contraindications to performing the test also include an acute infection, a cold with acute symptoms, cough, or runny nose.