Transthoracic echocardiography

It is recommended that the patient present the results of previous echocardiograms to the doctor.

Lack

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 examination allows for the assessment of the anatomical structures of the heart – the thickness of the walls and the size of the heart chambers. 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. An echocardiogram also allows for the diagnosis of fluid (e.g., blood) in the pericardial sac. The cardiac ejection fraction is also measured during the examination.
The ECHO is performed with the patient lying on their left side with the chest exposed.
It is a painless examination and carries no risk to the patient. It is performed on patients of all ages, including pregnant women.
Purpose of the examination: assessment of the circulatory capacity of the heart and diagnosis of 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.