Ekokardiografiaa

Ekokardiografiaa, the Estonian term for echocardiography, is a noninvasive imaging modality that uses ultrasound waves to visualize the heart and assess its structure and function. Performed with a handheld transducer placed on the chest, it provides real-time images of the cardiac chambers, valves, myocardium, and surrounding pericardium. Standard examinations may include two-dimensional imaging, M-mode for timing of cardiac cycles, and Doppler techniques that measure blood flow velocity and direction. Different techniques exist: transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is most common; transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) offers better visualization in certain patients; three-dimensional echocardiography provides more accurate chamber volumes and valve morphology; and speckle-tracking strain imaging analyzes myocardial deformation. Stress echocardiography combines imaging with exertion or pharmacologic stress to evaluate ischemia and reserve.

Indications include evaluation of chest pain or dyspnea, assessment of suspected or known heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, congenital heart disease, pericardial disease, and monitoring of therapy or device implants. The procedure is generally safe, uses no ionizing radiation, and is tolerated well, though image quality depends on body habitus and acoustic windows. Limitations include operator dependence, limited windows in some patients, and occasional inconclusive results requiring alternative imaging such as MRI or CT. Echocardiography remains a cornerstone for initial assessment and follow-up of many cardiovascular conditions due to its versatility, speed, and bedside availability.