Doppler echocardiography is a basic diagnostic method in cardiology, providing detailed information about heart function and blood flow. This technique uses sound waves to create images of the heart and assess how blood flows through the valves and chambers of the heart. Depending on the type of echocardiography and the medical reasons, the investigation can provide essential information for the diagnosis and management of heart conditions.

When is echocardiography necessary?

The recommendation for pediatric or adult echocardiography is made in several medical situations, depending on the patient's symptoms and the doctor's suspicions. Common reasons for having this test include:

• Diagnosis of heart diseases

Echocardiography is essential for identifying and evaluating structural heart problems, such as birth defects, heart valve disease (valvular stenosis or insufficiency), and cardiomyopathies.

• Monitoring of patients with chronic conditions

Patients who have already been diagnosed with conditions such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension or valvular diseases require constant monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and the progression of the disease.

• Assessment of cardiac symptoms

If symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue occur, an echocardiogram can help determine the cause of these problems and plan appropriate treatment.

• Prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Doctors may recommend echocardiograms as part of prevention programs for patients with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of heart disease. Prevention through constant monitoring can reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Types of echocardiography

There are several types of echocardiography, each used depending on the patient's medical situation.

Transthoracic echocardiography

It is the most common type of non-invasive echocardiography, where the transducer is placed on the patient's chest to capture images of the heart. This is frequently used to assess the function of the heart and the structure of the heart valves.

Transesophageal echocardiography

If the images obtained by the transthoracic method are not clear, a transesophageal echocardiography can be used. This involves inserting a transducer through the esophagus, providing a more detailed view of the heart's structures. It is often recommended to evaluate complex heart valve disease or to identify blood clots in the heart.

Stress Doppler echocardiography

This method involves performing an echocardiography during or immediately after physical exertion. This is used to assess cardiac function under stress, identifying problems that are not visible at rest, such as myocardial ischaemia (lack of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle).

What are the normal values ​​in echocardiography?

The interpretation of an echocardiography is based on comparing the measured values ​​with normal standards. Normal values ​​may vary depending on the analyzed parameters, the patient's age and other personal characteristics. Here are some of the standard values ​​for echocardiography.

Left ventricular ejection fraction

An important measure of heart function is the ejection fraction, which indicates the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each contraction. Normal values: 55-70%.

Left ventricular size

A measure of the volume of the heart's main pumping chamber. Normal values ​​for left ventricular size range between 50-75 mm in adults.

Doppler flow velocity at the valves

Normal blood velocity values ​​through valves vary depending on the specific valve and the patient's condition, but for the aortic valve, for example, a normal velocity value is below 2.5 m/s.

The price and accessibility of echocardiography

The price of an echocardiography can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of machine used. Stress or Doppler echocardiograms are also more expensive, given the complexity of the procedures and equipment involved.

At CorePrime, patients have the option to get echocardiograms at the best prices. This is an affordable option for patients, thus contributing to wider access to essential cardiology investigations. Our competitive pricing makes specialty cardiology evaluations much more affordable and within reach of any CorePrime patient in need of cardiac monitoring or diagnosis.

Prevention by echocardiography

Echocardiography plays an essential role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. By early detection of blood flow problems, cardiac hypertrophy or other conditions, doctors can intervene before the disease progresses. It is important that people with risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, have regular heart checks, including echocardiograms.

If you have cardiac symptoms or present risk factors, do not postpone the consultation with a specialist doctor. Schedule an echocardiogram now and make sure your heart is working properly before symptoms become critical!