What is Echocardiography?

Echocardiography is another form of ultrasound imaging. It allows the structures of the heart to be visualised. The imaging is done by a probe placed on the chest well. The two dimensional echocardiography (Trans Thoracic Echo or TTE) provides sections of the structures and chambers of the heart. Serial images may be combined to give a real time view.

Doppler Echocardiography is based on Doppler principle sound waves reflected from moving objects sustain a change in frequency. By detecting the speed and direction of red blood cells, we can accurately calculate the properties of blood flow. The information obtained may be converted to colour patterns to indicate velocity and direction of blood flow. This gives accurate measurement of valve leaks. Two dimensional echo combined with Doppler is a simple non-invasive and reliable method of assessing structure and function of heart.