Ekokardiyogram

Ekokardiyogram, often referred to as an echocardiogram or echo, is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses ultrasound to visualize the heart's structure and function. It provides detailed images of the heart chambers, valves, walls, and the major blood vessels connected to the heart. The procedure involves a technician, or sonographer, applying a gel to the chest and then moving a handheld device called a transducer over the area. This transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the heart's tissues and are then converted into images displayed on a monitor.

Ekokardiyogram is a crucial diagnostic tool used to identify a wide range of cardiac conditions. It can assess the heart's pumping strength, measure the size and thickness of the heart muscle, and evaluate the function of the heart valves, detecting issues like stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking). Doctors also use it to detect abnormalities in the heart's walls, diagnose congenital heart defects, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments for heart disease. There are different types of ekokardiyogram, including transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), which is the most common, and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE), which provides clearer images by inserting a probe down the esophagus. Doppler ultrasound, often incorporated into an ekokardiyogram, measures the speed and direction of blood flow within the heart, which is essential for assessing valve function and detecting abnormal shunts. The procedure is painless and generally safe, with no known long-term side effects.