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How to Interpret Echocardiograms

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic test that examines the heart to detect
abnormalities in morphology and function of heart chambers, myocardium and valves.
The test uses ultrasound waves, to create a moving picture of the heart in action.
Echocardiograms are typically performed by technician and echocardiogram results are
read by cardiologists. If you want to know how to interpret echocardiograms, you can
become familiar with some of the basics of the test. However, it is important to have a
trained doctor analyze the echocardiogram to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
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Scan the echocardiogram results for irregularities in the size and movement
of the heart. Measurements are taken to ensure the heart has not enlarged, which
would indicate stress on the organ. If you have had echocardiograms before, you can
compare the echocardiogram results of each test to determine whether there have been
changes in the overall size of the heart as well.
Measure the strength of your heart's ability to pump blood through the
chambers. Pumping action is typically described as "ejection fraction" and should
be between 55 and 65 percent. A lower ejection fraction could indicate systolic heart
failure, while a higher percentage could mean diastolic heart failure. This test can also
determine the reason for the abnormal number, such as an area of the heart that has
been weakened by a heart attack or a genetic condition that could raise the risk of heart
problems later on.
Evaluate the thickness of the heart muscle wall with the echocardiogram
results. A thickened wall around the heart means that the heart is not as able to
relax and fill with blood. A stretched heart wall indicates that the heart could be
weakening, due to an underlying medical condition. When the muscle is the right size
and working properly, the heart is able to easily fill up with sufficient blood to meet all of
the body's needs and then pump the blood out again.
Examine the four heart valves to determine if each is working properly. When
doctors learn how to interpret echocardiograms, they need to look at the valves to
ensure blood is flowing correctly through the heart. Leaky valves or valves that do not
close properly could impede blood flow and put undue strain on the heart. A leaky valve
may be indicated if blood is seen flowing backwards through the heart. This problem
may need to be treated with medication or surgery, but the original diagnosis is typically
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made through echocardiogram results.
Determine the volume of blood that is circulating through the heart. This
echocardiogram result could be directly affected by medications like diuretics. Low
volume may indicate the heart is not pumping blood through the body as efficiently as it
should. This problem could be caused by a number of conditions that affect the heart
and cardiovascular system.
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Although you may learn how to interpret echocardiograms, the final diagnosis and
treatment should always be determined by a medical doctor.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1781094/
http://www.hearthealthywomen.org/tests-diagnosis/index-tests/echocardiogram-
for-heart-failure.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003869.htm
http://books.google.com/books?id=4iSoMzkwStMC&pg=PA133&lpg=PA133&
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Categories: Cardiovascular Health and Blood Pressure
Recent edits by: J eff, Anteco, Genius_knight
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