Ehhokardiograafiat

Ehhokardiograafiat, commonly known as an echocardiogram or echo, is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique used to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. It utilizes ultrasound technology, employing high-frequency sound waves to create moving pictures of the heart. These images allow medical professionals to visualize the heart's chambers, valves, walls, and the major blood vessels connected to it.

The procedure is painless and typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. During an echocardiogram, a technician or cardiologist will apply a gel to the chest and then move a transducer, a handheld device, over the skin. The transducer emits and receives sound waves, which are processed by a computer to generate the heart's images displayed on a monitor. Patients usually lie on their back or side during the examination.

Echocardiography plays a crucial role in diagnosing a wide range of cardiac conditions. It can detect abnormalities in the heart's size and shape, assess how well the heart chambers are contracting and relaxing, and evaluate the function of the heart valves. Doctors use echocardiograms to identify conditions such as heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, and to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for heart disease. Different types of echocardiograms exist, including transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), and stress echocardiography, each offering specific advantages for different clinical situations.