Echocardiography (ECHO) | Heart Health Evaluation with Cardiac Ultrasound | MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt
Echocardiography (ECHO) is an ultrasound-based imaging method used to evaluate the structure, valves, and pumping function of the heart. Why is ECHO performed, how is it applied, and in the diagnosis of which diseases is it used? Get detailed information with the evaluations of Prof. Dr. Osman Beton.
Echocardiography (ECHO)
In the diagnosis of heart diseases, evaluating only the electrical activity of the heart may not be sufficient. Many important characteristics such as the structure of the heart muscle, the functioning mode of the valves, the sizes of the chambers, and the blood-pumping power of the heart can only be examined in detail through imaging methods. Echocardiography (ECHO) is a reliable and painless diagnostic method that enables real-time visualization of the heart using sound waves (ultrasound). Being one of the most frequently used examinations in cardiology practice, ECHO plays an important role in the evaluation of numerous cardiovascular diseases, ranging from heart valve diseases to heart failure, and from congenital heart diseases to heart muscle diseases.
Radiation is not used during echocardiography. The procedure relies entirely on ultrasound technology, and the movements of the heart can be visualized instantaneously. The contractile strength of the heart, the opening and closing of the valves, the dimensions of the heart chambers, as well as the direction and speed of blood flow can be evaluated in detail. For this reason, ECHO is one of the most valuable imaging methods both during the initial diagnostic phase and in the follow-up of existing heart diseases.
At MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, Echocardiography (ECHO) is evaluated by our Cardiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Osman Beton together with the patient’s complaints, physical examination findings, ECG results, and other cardiological examinations. The goal is not merely to obtain images, but to perform accurate diagnosis and treatment planning by analyzing the general functions of the heart in detail.
What is Echocardiography (ECHO)?
Echocardiography is an imaging method that evaluates the structure and working functions of the heart using ultrasound waves. Thanks to a specialized ultrasound probe placed on the chest wall, real-time images of the heart are obtained.
Through this examination, the heart muscle, heart valves, heart chambers, major blood vessels, and the pumping power of the heart can be evaluated in detail. Additionally, blood flow within the heart can also be examined using Doppler technology.
In Which Situations is Echocardiography Performed?
Echocardiography can be applied for the diagnosis and follow-up of many heart diseases.
Its most common areas of use include:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Palpitations
Heart murmur
Evaluation of heart failure
Heart valve diseases
Evaluation of the effects of hypertension on the heart
Congenital heart diseases
Heart muscle diseases (Cardiomyopathies)
Evaluation of cardiac functions following a heart attack
Follow-up before and after interventional procedures
ECHO findings are evaluated together with ECG, Holter, Exercise Stress Test, Cardiac MRI, and other imaging methods when necessary.
Is Preparation Required Before Echocardiography?
Special preparation is generally not required for standard transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE). It is sufficient for patients to choose comfortable clothing.
In certain specialized types of ECHO, such as prior to Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE), fasting may be required. Necessary information regarding this is provided to the patient before the procedure.
How is Echocardiography Performed?
During echocardiography, the patient lies on the examination table in the left lateral position. Ultrasound gel is applied to the chest area, and images of the heart from different angles are captured with the help of a specialized probe.
No pain is felt during the procedure. Since ultrasound waves are utilized, there is no exposure to radiation. During the examination, the contractile strength of the heart, valve movements, chamber sizes, and blood flow are evaluated in detail.
Standard Echocardiography is mostly completed within 15 to 30 minutes. Following the procedure, the individual can return to daily life immediately. When necessary, advanced cardiological tests can be planned in line with the obtained findings.
What Are the Advantages of Echocardiography (ECHO)?
Echocardiography (ECHO) is one of the reliable, non-invasive imaging methods capable of evaluating the structure and working functions of the heart in detail. Because it contains no radiation, can be applied painlessly, and provides real-time images, it is among the most frequently used diagnostic examinations in cardiology practice. However, ECHO alone does not definitively show every heart disease and is evaluated together with other cardiological tests when necessary.
The primary advantages provided by echocardiography are as follows:
The pumping power of the heart can be evaluated in detail.
The structure and working functions of the heart valves can be examined.
The dimensions of the heart chambers can be measured.
Movements of the heart muscle can be visualized in real time.
Thanks to Doppler technology, blood flow within the heart can be analyzed.
It contains no radiation and can be reapplied.
It is a painless, reliable examination method completed in a short time.
ECHO findings are evaluated together with the patient’s complaints, physical examination, ECG, and other cardiological evaluations to plan the diagnostic process.
Which Diseases Can Be Evaluated with Echocardiography?
Echocardiography provides important information in the diagnosis and follow-up of many cardiovascular diseases.
Its primary evaluation areas are:
Heart valve diseases
Aortic valve stenosis and aortic valve regurgitation
Mitral valve diseases
Heart failure
Cardiomyopathies (heart muscle diseases)
Congenital heart diseases
Pericardial diseases (diseases of the heart lining)
Pulmonary hypertension
Suspected clot or mass in the heart chambers
Evaluation of heart muscle functions following a heart attack
When deemed necessary, advanced imaging methods such as Stress Echocardiography, Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE), Cardiac MRI, or Cardiac CT can be planned.
Post-Echocardiography Process
Following standard transthoracic Echocardiography, no situation arises that restricts the daily lives of patients. Immediately after the procedure is completed, one can return to normal daily activities.
The obtained images are analyzed in detail by the cardiology specialist. In the event that stenosis or regurgitation in the heart valves, weakening in the heart muscle, enlargement in the heart chambers, or other structural abnormalities are detected, advanced examination or treatment can be planned. While regular follow-up is sufficient for some patients, interventional cardiology or surgical evaluation may be required for others.
Importance of Specialist Experience in Echocardiography Evaluation
Echocardiography does not consist merely of obtaining images. Visualizing different parts of the heart at the correct angle, accurately interpreting the measurements obtained, and evaluating them alongside clinical findings carry great importance.
At MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, Prof. Dr. Osman Beton creates a personalized diagnostic and treatment plan by evaluating Echocardiography findings together with the patient’s complaints, ECG recordings, laboratory results, and other cardiological examinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Echocardiography a painful procedure?
No. Standard Echocardiography is completely painless. During the procedure, only the ultrasound probe is moved over the chest wall.
How long does Echocardiography take?
Standard transthoracic Echocardiography is generally completed within 15 to 30 minutes. The duration of the procedure may vary depending on the clinical status of the patient.
Is radiation used during Echocardiography?
No. Echocardiography works with ultrasound technology and contains no radiation.
Can coronary artery blockage be detected with ECHO?
Echocardiography does not show the coronary vessels directly. However, it can provide important information regarding heart muscle motion abnormalities or changes in pumping power that develop due to vascular disease. When necessary, advanced examinations such as coronary CT angiography or coronary angiography can be planned.
Is fasting required before Echocardiography?
Fasting is not required for standard transthoracic ECHO. However, if Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) is planned, fasting for a specific duration prior to the procedure may be requested.
Conclusion
Echocardiography (ECHO) is one of the most important imaging methods evaluating the structure, valves, and pumping function of the heart. It provides reliable information in the diagnosis and follow-up of heart failure, valve diseases, congenital heart diseases, and many cardiovascular conditions. Due to its painless application, lack of radiation, and delivery of real-time imaging, it holds an important place both in routine cardiology evaluations and advanced investigations.
In line with comprehensive evaluations conducted by Prof. Dr. Osman Beton at MediHeart Medical Center Güzelyurt Cardiology Department, Echocardiography results are analyzed specially for each patient, and necessary advanced examinations or treatment plans are established. Patients applying from across Güzelyurt, TRNC, Cyprus, and North Cyprus can receive detailed information about Echocardiography (ECHO), heart valve diseases, heart failure, heart muscle diseases, cardiology evaluation, and heart health. If you have complaints of chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, or suspect heart disease, early cardiology evaluation can assist in detecting potential conditions in a timely manner.