Echocardiography is a non-invasive imaging method that evaluates the structure and function of the heart using ultrasound waves. It is one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in cardiology.
What is Echocardiography?#
Echocardiography uses sound waves to create real-time moving images of the heart. This allows detailed examination of heart chambers, valves, walls, and great vessels.
Structures Evaluated by Echocardiography:
- Heart chambers (atria and ventricles)
- Heart valves
- Heart walls
- Pericardium (heart membrane)
- Great vessels (aorta, pulmonary artery)
Types of Echocardiography#
Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)#
- Most commonly used method
- Performed through chest wall
- Painless and non-invasive
- Takes 20-45 minutes
Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)#
- Performed through esophagus
- More detailed imaging
- Valve diseases and thrombus detection
- Requires sedation
Stress Echocardiography#
- Under stress with exercise or medication
- Ischemia evaluation
- Coronary artery disease diagnosis
3D Echocardiography#
- Three-dimensional imaging
- Valve anatomy evaluation
- Surgical planning
Echocardiography Indications#
Symptom Evaluation#
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Leg swelling
- Fainting
Disease Diagnosis and Follow-up#
- Heart failure
- Valve diseases
- Cardiomyopathy
- Congenital heart diseases
- Pericarditis
- Suspected endocarditis
Other Indications#
- Post-heart attack evaluation
- Pre-operative assessment
- Treatment response monitoring
- Athlete screening
Parameters Measured in Echocardiography#
Left Ventricle Evaluation#
| Parameter | Normal Value |
|---|---|
| Ejection fraction (EF) | 55-70% |
| Left ventricle diameter (diastole) | 35-56 mm |
| Left ventricle diameter (systole) | 25-40 mm |
| Wall thickness | 6-11 mm |
Valve Evaluation#
- Valve structure and movement
- Stenosis degree
- Regurgitation degree
- Valve area calculation
- Pressure gradients
Other Measurements#
- Right ventricle function
- Pulmonary artery pressure
- Diastolic function
- Pericardial fluid
How is Echocardiography Performed?#
Preparation (for TTE)#
- No special preparation required
- Removal of upper clothing
- Left lateral lying position
Procedure Steps#
- Gel application: To chest area
- Probe placement: From different windows
- Imaging: Real-time recording
- Measurements: Standard parameters
- Reporting: Detailed evaluation
Echocardiography Results#
Normal Findings#
- Normal heart size
- Normal valve function
- Normal ejection fraction
- No pericardial fluid
Abnormal Findings#
- Heart enlargement
- Valve stenosis or regurgitation
- Wall motion abnormality
- Low ejection fraction
- Pericardial fluid
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is echocardiography painful?
How long does echocardiography take?
Do I need to fast for echocardiography?
Is echocardiography harmful?
When do echocardiography results come out?
Appointment and Contact#
If you would like to schedule an appointment for echocardiography:
📍 Avrasya Hospital - Beştelsiz Mah. 101. Sokak No:107, Zeytinburnu, Istanbul
📞 Phone: +90 212 665 50 50 (Ext: 4012)
This content has been prepared by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Habib Çil for general informational purposes. Please consult a cardiology specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment.
Related Diagnostic Tests#
Other diagnostic tests related to echocardiography:
- Surface Echocardiography - Transthoracic echo
- Stress Echocardiography - Exercise echo
- EKG - Electrocardiography
- Holter - 24-hour rhythm monitoring
- Cardiac CT - Computed tomography