ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY: WHAT INFORMATION CAN THE DOCTOR GET FROM AN ECHO?
The echo test is an invaluable minefield of information. With this test the doctor can determine:
the pumping ability of the heart {ejection fraction)
the sizes of the various chambers of the heart, and whether any chamber is dilated
the thickness of the muscle of the heart
whether any portion of the heart has been affected by a heart attack
the condition of various valves in the heart and whether any valve is narrowed or leaky
presence and location of holes in the heart
presence of a blood clot {thrombus) within the heart
state of the envelope around the heart {pericardium)
the result of various interventions on the heart (e.g., valvuloplasty for narrowed valves, or surgery for closure of holes in the heart) the functioning of artificial valves in the heart infection of the heart valves (endocarditis).
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Cardio & Blood |
