What Heart Conditions Can Be Diagnosed with an Ultrasound?
A heart ultrasound, or echocardiogram, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to closely examine and assess its function. This non-invasive test can diagnose a range of heart conditions without the need for surgery or radiation. Heart FailureHeart ultrasound helps detect heart failure, a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Doctors can observe the heart’s pumping action and assess its ability to circulate blood. Valvular Heart DiseaseThis test can identify issues with the heart valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage), which can disrupt the normal flow of blood within the heart. Coronary Artery DiseaseHeart ultrasound can reveal the narrowing of coronary arteries, which may lead to ischemia or heart attack if left untreated. CardiomegalyThe test can also diagnose an enlarged heart, a condition that may result from overwork or other underlying heart conditions.