Echocardiography – a key test in cardiac diagnostics

Echocardiography is a safe, non-invasive ultrasound examination of the heart, which allows for the assessment of its structure and function in real time. Thanks to the use of ultrasound waves, it is possible to obtain a detailed image of the heart, which allows to detect:

• heart failure,
• congenital defects and acquired valves,
• myocardial hypertrophy,
• pulmonary hypertension,
• myocarditis,
• fluid in the pericardium.

Echocardiography is a basic tool in the cardiologist’s work and is often the first step in the accurate diagnosis of heart disease.

The course of an echocardiogram at Mediss Medical

At Mediss Medical in Gdańsk, we perform echocardiographic examinations in comfortable conditions and with the highest standards. The whole procedure takes about 20-30 minutes and consists of the following steps:

1. Patient preparation – The patient is asked to remove clothing from the upper part of the body and lie down on a couch, usually on the left side. A special gel is applied to the chest to improve ultrasound conduction.
2. Proper examination – The cardiologist places the ultrasound probe against the chest and obtains a real-time image of the heart. With  the Samsung HS60 camera technology  , it is possible to obtain high-resolution images, which significantly increases the accuracy of diagnostics.
3. Analysis and description of the examination  – The images are thoroughly analyzed by a specialist. The doctor assesses, among m.in, the size of the heart cavities, the thickness of the walls, the functioning of the valves and the blood flow.
4. Discussing the results with the patient – At the end of the test, the patient receives an initial interpretation of the results. A full description of the echocardiogram is usually available within a few days.

When is it worth performing a heart echo?

Echocardiography is recommended for:

• suspected heart defect (congenital or acquired),
• symptoms of heart failure (e.g. shortness of breath, swelling),
• heart murmurs,
• hypertension – assessment of the impact on the heart,
• inflammatory diseases of the heart muscle or pericardium,
• follow-up after cardiac surgery,
• monitoring of pharmacological treatment.

Types of echocardiography performed at Mediss Medical – Gdańsk

At Mediss Medical in Gdańsk, we offer two basic and most commonly used forms of echocardiography, which enable a comprehensive assessment of the work of the heart muscle, valves and blood flow through the heart and large vessels.

Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE)

Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is a non-invasive and completely painless method of imaging the heart through the chest wall. This is the most commonly performed echocardiographic examination, which allows you to assess:

• the size and structure of the heart cavities,
• thickness of the walls of the heart muscle,
• contractility and relaxation of the heart (ejection fraction),
• the functioning of the heart valves,
• the presence of fluid in the pericardial sac.

This test is particularly helpful in the diagnosis of heart failure, congenital and acquired defects, cardiomyopathy and post-traumatic or post-infarction lesions.

Doppler echocardiography

Doppler heart examination is an advanced echocardiography technique that uses the Doppler effect to assess the direction and velocity of blood flow in the heart and in large blood vessels. It is particularly important in the diagnosis of:

• heart valve defects (e.g. stenosis or regurgitation),
• pulmonary hypertension,
• abnormal flows between heart cavities (e.g. interatrial or ventricular leaks),
• blood flow disorders in the aorta and pulmonary arteries.

Thanks to Doppler echocardiography, we can dynamically assess the hemodynamics of the heart and determine the severity of existing pathologies, which is a key element of an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

Echocardiography Gdańsk – make an appointment for a test at Mediss Medical

Echocardiography at Mediss Medical in Gdańsk is not only about precise diagnostics, but also about an individual approach to the patient and a comfortable atmosphere. Thanks to the advanced technology of the Samsung HS60 and the experience of our specialists, we provide high-quality cardiac services and quick access to results.

Contact us and make an appointment for an echocardiogram – take care of your heart with Mediss Medical!