Echocardiography & Diagnostic Cardiology

Understanding how the heart is functioning is essential to treating it effectively. Echocardiography, commonly called an echo test, is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses ultrasound waves to create detailed pictures of the heart. It helps doctors assess how well the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow are working.

There are different types of echocardiography, including:

• 2D Echocardiography – Provides real-time moving images of the heart.
• Doppler Echocardiography – Measures the direction and speed of blood flow.
• Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) – Offers highly detailed views of the heart by placing a special probe inside the esophagus.
• Stress Echocardiography – Performed during exercise or with medication to see how the heart performs under stress.

Benefits of Echocardiography:

• Detects heart valve problems, congenital heart defects, and heart muscle weakness.
• Helps monitor heart function in conditions like heart failure.
• Guides treatment decisions for complex cardiology procedures.
• Safe, painless, and suitable for all age groups.

Why it matters:

Early and accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of good heart care. Echocardiography provides doctors with a clear view of the heart’s structure and function, ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time, without unnecessary delays.