A colour Doppler echocardiogram (also known as a heart ultrasound) is a study of the size and shape of the heart as well as the functioning of its valves. It is performed using an echocardiograph (heart ultrasound) and lasts about 20 minutes. This diagnostic test is based on the use of ultrasound, so it is not dangerous or painful.
What is detected in a Doppler echocardiogram?
A color Doppler echocardiogram (or heart ultrasound) allows us to recognize:
- Diseases such as dilated cardiomyopathy (large heart)
- Diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart due to a disease of the birth of muscle cells)
- Study the causes of dyspnea or fatigue
- Study the causes of heart valves that sometimes manifest through murmurs
- Heart damage and effects of hypertension
What results can the test have and what verdict can I get?
It is a test It is a fundamental diagnostic tool because it provides a moving image of the heart. It provides information about the shape, size, function, strength of the heart, movement and thickness of its walls and the functioning of its valves. In addition, it can provide information about the pulmonary circulation and its pressures, the initial portion of the aorta and to see if there is fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion).
Echocardiogram images can be obtained in different modes:
- M or one-dimensional mode: a narrow portion of the heart is detected.
- Two-dimensional or 2D: provides an image of the anatomy of the heart (allows the different structures to be seen) during movement.
- Color Doppler: allows the blood flow in the heart and arteries to be seen and measured.
- 3D: the images obtained are in 3 dimensions. A 3D image is created from multiple 2-dimensional images.
Who should have a cardiac ultrasound? When should we have a cardiac ultrasound? What diseases or medical history should we take into account?
The echocardiogram is useful when the following diseases are suspected:
- Valvulopathies: this is the name given to diseases of the heart valves. Basically, there may be two problems: the valves may not open enough (stenosis) or they may not close properly (insufficiencies).
- Heart failure: when the heart is weakened by age, a heart attack, or other reasons, its contraction may be insufficient and it does not pump blood properly.
- Cardiomyopathies: these are diseases of the heart muscle itself.
- Arrhythmias: although arrhythmias are electrical failures of the heart and their study is based on other tests such as the electrocardiogram or the Holter, the echocardiogram allows us to see the mechanical manifestations of arrhythmias. For example, in atrial fibrillation we would see how the atria have a constant tremor without ever contracting.
- Endocarditis: infections of the heart valves can be studied by echocardiogram.
- Embolic events: when embolisms occur in any part of the body, an echocardiogram should be performed to check if the origin of the thrombi is in the heart.
- Pericarditis and pericardial effusion: this test allows the study of the pericardium, a membrane that covers the heart to protect and lubricate it.
- Congenital heart disease: the study of cardiac malformations has been revolutionized thanks to echocardiography. Thanks to it, many newborns can have structural alterations detected early, and be candidates for surgical repairs. Some of the most common congenital heart diseases are tetralogy of Fallot, atrial septal defect (ASD), or ventricular septal defect (VSD).
How is an echocardiogram performed? What is an echocardiogram performed with?
The equipment used to perform the test consists of:
A computer to interpret the images.
A color screen to view in real time.
An ultrasound probe or translator.
The test is performed in an outpatient medical office and usually lasts about 20 minutes. The patient will lie down on the stretcher naked from the waist up. With little light to better view the screen. The doctor will first apply conductive gel to the area to be examined and then will pass the probe over the entire surface. Some postural changes will be necessary, front-profile, which will be indicated to you.
It is not at all annoying or painful, nor harmful.
Recommendations before coming
No special preparation is needed, nor should you come fasting for this type of examination.
Is the Holter related to this service?
The Holter is a device used to measure cardiac activity or blood pressure, continuously for 24 hours. Like the echocardiogram, it is used to diagnose cardiovascular diseases. They are different and complementary tests in some cases and it will be the cardiologist who determines when to do one or the other or both.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it better than an electrocardiogram?
They are different and complementary tests. The electrocardiogram records the activity of the heart and reflects it graphically.
The color Doppler echocardiogram provides additional information to the electrocardiogram and completes it. It allows a direct view of the heart and detects diseases that the electrocardiogram itself cannot detect.
We can say that the first tells us how it works and the second allows us to see what it is like.
Is an echocardiogram recommended for athletes?
Yes. It is highly recommended to ensure safe sport. In addition, if the electrocardiogram shows any abnormality, it will be advisable to perform it.
If the federation electrocardiogram is abnormal, should I have an ultrasound?
The cardiologist will determine the best test in your case, but it is very likely that he will perform an ultrasound and/or stress test.
To know the real state of the heart, we cannot exclude any of the tests listed.
Can it cause me any harm? Is it radioactive?
No. They are ultrasound waves. Cardiac ultrasound is non-invasive and does not damage tissue. It can even be performed on pregnant women.
Echocardiogram options and prices
A cardiac ultrasound or echocardiogram has a price of 85 euros