Heart ultrasound

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Heart ultrasound

Cardiac ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic method that uses sound waves to create an image of the heart, allowing doctors to assess heart function and diagnose various heart diseases.

Duration

30 - 60 minutes

Recommended number

One test, with monitoring in patients with pre-existing heart disease

Who it is for

People with chest pain, difficulty breathing, heart disease or a family history of heart disease

Contraindications

There are no specific contraindications, except in case of skin or other problems in the area where the gel is applied

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Prim. MSc. Ivan Brozičević, MD., spec. in internal medicine and cardiology; President of the Board

Director

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An ultrasound of the heart, or echocardiography, uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the heart. This test allows doctors to assess the structure and function of the heart, including the ventricles, atria, heart valves, and blood vessels. Echocardiography is essential for diagnosing a wide range of heart diseases, including heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and monitoring patients after heart surgery.

During the exam, the patient lies on their back, and a gel is applied to the chest to allow better conduction of sound waves. Then, using a small device (sensor), sound waves are emitted towards the heart and reflected back, creating images that the doctor analyzes.

An ultrasound of the heart helps assess the functionality of the heart chambers and ventricles, measure blood flow, and identify abnormalities, such as thickening of the heart walls or the presence of effusions (fluid) around the heart. It also allows monitoring of the condition of patients with known heart diseases, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias or hypertension, and provides important information about possible complications.

For patients with heart problems, a cardiac ultrasound can be crucial for assessing the effectiveness of therapy and for the timely recognition of any deterioration. After the examination, the doctor analyzes the results and makes recommendations for further treatment, if necessary.