The Application of Echocardiography in Cardiovascular Diagnosis

The key application of ultrasound in cardiovascular diagnosis is echocardiogram. It utilizes M-scan technique in the imaging. In the echocardiogram, the movements of the valves and other structures of the heart are displayed as a function of time. The display also includes an electrocardiogram to provide more information on the heart.

From the echocardiogram, the following information can be obtained:

• It is possible to distinguish between soft tissues and measures the motion of the structure of the heart.
• It helps in the detection of fluids which may escape from the pericardium. The fluids escape when the pericardium is inflamed.
• The heart has a number of acoustic interfaces such as the atrial and ventricular walls, the septum and various walls. The position and movement of each interface can be measured by the reflected ultrasound.
• It is useful in interpreting the movement of the mitral valve with respect to time. Any reduced movements of the valve indicate the case of mitral stenosis.

You can also read: Cardiac Monitor