The Basics of Echocardiography

Echocardiography jobs have gained immense importance in modern medicine. This is because Echocardiography has proven to be an extremely essential test for studying the anatomy of the heart. The test does not pose any threat and is completely safe and non-invasive and its interpretation by a cardiologist professional could prove to be very accurate. The test is extremely important in modern treatment of heart diseases. An echocardiogram is not a complicated test but an easy one which involves lying down on an examination table. A technician then holds a transducer against your chest. It is made to slide slowly back and forth. Vaseline like gel is applied to the chest for aiding the movement of the transducer. You may have to hold your breath for a few seconds. The entire tests last from half an hour to one hour. The echocardiogram discloses key information related to the anatomy of the heart. It is in particular constructive for detecting issues with the heart valves. These problems could be aortic stenosis or mitral valve prolapse. The echocardiogram also helps in obtaining a broad idea of how the heart muscles are functioning. However, the echocardiogram is not useful when it comes to detecting coronary heart diseases. This is because it does not image the coronary arteries. Echocardiogram is not accurate when used as a MUGA scan to measure the overall function of the cardiac muscle. The problem with echocardiogram is that there are some variations such as emphysema or a thick chest wall that severely limits the ability for imaging cardiac structures. These are some physical variations that inhibit the useful advantages of emphysema but they can be surmounted through the use of a transesophageal echo test. The echocardiogram is useful for looking at the structure of the heart and the valves. It also provides information about the pumping action of the heart. The test is used if you recently suffered from a heart attack or if you had a heart failure. Also used for assessing people with heart valve problems, echocardiogram can detect congenital heart disease. The echocardiogram is useful for diagnosing heart disease not just in adults but also in infants and children. Because it is an easy and painless procedure, it may be conducted on infants and children. There are different types of echocardiogram. One is the transoesophageal echocardiography or T.O.E. This form of test allows for detailed pictures of your heart from your oesophagus to be taken. This test is useful for obtaining closer defined image of the heart valves. This test allows for detecting things that are otherwise too small to be viewed on a regular echo. Another test is called the Stress echocardiogram that is taken while keeping the heart under stress. The heart rate is increased through exercise or medication. It helps detect and diagnose heart failure, coronary heart disease and cardiomyopathy. Another test is the Foetal echocardiogram that helps detect heart defects before a baby is born. This test shows more details of a baby's heart than an ultrasound would.