Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart)
This is a safe and painless examination that allows for a detailed assessment of the structure and function of the heart valves. The examination provides the doctor with essential information about heart health, both preventively and in the event of various complaints.
What is it?
Echocardiography (EchoKG), or cardiac ultrasound, is a test that allows a doctor to view the heart and assess its function. It is performed using an ultrasound machine – similar to the way a baby is viewed in the mother's womb during pregnancy.
During the examination, the doctor can see how the heart contracts, how the heart valves work, how big the heart is, and how blood flows through the heart chambers. This helps to detect various heart problems early.
The examination is safe and painless. It does not use harmful radiation, so it can be performed on adults, children, and pregnant women.
How is it done?
The patient lies on their left side in a comfortable position. The doctor applies a special gel to the chest and uses an ultrasound probe to examine the heart. The view from the probe is displayed on a monitor, and the doctor watches the heart's movement.
Dopplerography is used to evaluate blood flow velocity and the motion of cardiac structures, as well as other technologies for more precise evaluation of the heart.
The examination lasts from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on each patient's situation.
When is it needed?
Echocardiography is most often recommended if:
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the patient has chest pain, shortness of breath, or dyspnea;
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in heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat;
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it is necessary to check the heart function as a whole;
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there is suspicion of damage to the heart valves or muscle;
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a congenital heart disease must be ruled out or proven;
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in a need to monitor a known heart disease;
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it should be assessed whether heart surgery, other surgery, or other treatment is needed.
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in other cases, upon the doctor's advice.
How to prepare?
There is no special preparation required for an echocardiogram. It is a safe and painless procedure that can be performed at any time of the day. However, some practical recommendations help ensure the quality of the examination:
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Bring a description or printout of your previous echocardiogram (if it was done elsewhere). This will allow the doctor to compare your heart size, valve function, and heart rate with previous measurements.
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Choose clothing that is easy to take off or allows you to free your chest.
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Take your usual medications unless the doctor has given you other instructions.
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On the day of the examination, avoid using body creams, oils, or lotions on your chest so the ultrasound probe can make better contact with the skin.
Learn how to prepare for a doctor's consultation at the Medica Riga clinic.