What is echocardiography or heart ultrasound?

Echocardiography is a medical examination that uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasonic) to determine the movement of the heart and assess the structure and function of the heart. With the help of these images, doctors can assess whether the size and shape of the heart is normal or not as well as to check the condition and structure of the heart starting from the chambers, valves, heart muscles that work in the heart wall. Echocardiography is also commonly known as heart ultrasound to some people.
Echocardiography and electrocardiography (ECG) are often considered the same, but there are significant differences between ECG and echocardiography.
An ECG is a medical procedure to detect the rhythmic and rhythmic activation of the heart. Therefore, ECG is usually performed to diagnose arrhythmias associated with heart rhythm disturbances. At the same time, echocardiography is a procedure performed to study the general structure and assess the function of the heart. Both can be performed together to get a more accurate diagnosis in cardiac examination.

What are the benefits of Echocardiography?
This examination is usually done by a doctor to check the condition of the heart. The purpose of echocardiography itself is to detect heart disorders, recurrent heart infections or to check for heart damage due to congenital abnormalities. There are several benefits of undergoing an echocardiography procedure for someone with certain medical conditions.
1. Diagnose heart diseases or abnormalities such as heart swelling, pericarditis, heart valve abnormalities, etc.
2. Evaluate the function of the heart in pumping blood throughout the body
3. Detect blood clots or even abnormal tissue growths in the heart 3.
4. Monitor blood circulation in the heart
The doctor will decide when and for what purpose this examination is needed.

Does the patient need any special preparation before echocardiography?
Echocardiography does not require any special preparation from the patient and can be performed at any time. Echocardiography examination is even safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The examination can also be repeated without having to worry about side effects because it is safe and does not use radiation.

Warnings before performing Echocardiography
There are several conditions that you must inform the medical staff or doctor when performing this examination, such as:
1. Discuss this treatment with your doctor regarding the types and benefits you may receive.
2. The doctor needs to know what other treatments you are currently undergoing.
3. Make sure your doctor knows your medical history. For example, use of a heart ring, cancer in the throat or history of previous heart surgery.

Reference:

Dr. Metta Suryani, Sp.JP, interviewed by the author, 2024, Pekalongan, Central Java

Healthline. Accessed on 2024. Echocardiogram.

Bethge, et al. (2017). Appropriateness vs Value: Echocardiography in Primary Care. Clinical Cardiology, 40 (12), pp. 1212-1217.

Web MD. Accessed on 2024. Heart Disease and the Echocardiogram.https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/jenis-jenis-echocardiografi-yang-perlu-diketahui