Dr Ramji Mehrotra - Echocardiogram, Why is it needed?
An echocardiogram, also known as a cardiac ultrasound, is a non-invasive medical test that uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the heart. These images allow doctors to see the size, shape, and movement of the heart and its major blood vessels, as well as to assess the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. Dr.Ramji Mehrotra says that there are several reasons why a person may need an echocardiogram. One common reason is to diagnose a heart condition or to monitor the progress of a pre-existing heart condition. For example, an echocardiogram can be used to detect abnormalities in the heart's structure, such as a hole in the heart or an enlarged heart. It can also be used to diagnose problems with the heart's valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage). Another reason for an echocardiogram is to assess the function of the heart. This can include measuring the heart's ejection fraction, which is a measure of how well the he