What is a High-Frequency Echocardiogram (Echo)?
A high-frequency sound wave heart examination, called Echocardiogram, Echocardiography, or Echo, is a test to evaluate the heart’s performance. The test data is translated into images on a monitor showing the shape and size of the heart, the function of the heart muscle and valves to detect any abnormalities, how the heart muscle contracts and relaxes, as well as the size of the heart chambers, blood flow within the heart, and the position of the blood vessels entering and leaving the heart.
Who should have an Echo heart examination?
It is suitable for those who experience shortness of breath, easy fatigue, difficulty breathing, swelling, suspected to be caused by heart disease, and patients with abnormal or irregular heartbeats. Doctors will use the test results along with other diagnostic methods such as cardiac CT scans and coronary angiography to accurately and clearly diagnose heart diseases.
Echo examination procedure
The staff will ask the patient to change into clothes provided by the hospital and lie on a flat bed. Then, electrodes will be attached to the chest to measure the heart’s electrical activity and heart rate. The doctor will apply gel and move the probe over the chest and under the breast area. The examination takes about 30-45 minutes or up to 1 hour. Echo is a safe, painless procedure and can be repeated as deemed necessary by the doctor.
Preparation before undergoing Echo
- No prior preparation is needed; no need to fast or avoid drinking.
- If you regularly take medication, inform the doctor and nurse in advance as it may affect the test and heart function.
Interpretation and evaluation of Echo results
Doctors will assess the results by analyzing the images obtained and considering the heart rate and rhythm numbers, which help detect lesions or risks of various diseases as follows:
- Ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, indicating the location of damaged or dead heart muscle.
- Heart performance in contraction and relaxation.
- Severity of all types of heart valve diseases.
- Pericardial diseases such as chronic pericarditis or fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
- Congenital heart defects such as congenital septal defects.
However, Echo only shows the heart’s structure but does not visualize coronary arteries clearly and may be less clear in very obese patients because fat can obstruct high-frequency waves.
Whenever you feel easily fatigued, chest pain, or have a risk of heart disease, you should promptly see a doctor for examination, diagnosis, and treatment to restore your “heart” to strength or prevent disease progression. If you neglect your heart health, your entire body system will also become weak accordingly.