Echocardiography
Echocardiography is an ultrasound-based imaging technique that visualizes the heart in motion and provides measurements of
The most common form is transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), a noninvasive study performed with a handheld transducer
Clinical indications include evaluation of heart size and function, assessment of valvular disease (stenosis or regurgitation),
Advantages include wide availability, lack of ionizing radiation, and real-time functional information. Limitations include operator dependence
History and context: Echocardiography began in the mid-20th century with the development of cardiac Doppler techniques