Echocardiogram

Definition

An echocardiogram is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart, allowing assessment of its structure and function. It is commonly used to detect heart conditions including infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Echocardiograms can identify vegetations on heart valves caused by infective endocarditis, a bacterial infection of the heart lining.
2. This test helps in diagnosing pericarditis by visualizing fluid accumulation around the heart.
3. Echocardiograms are crucial for detecting cardiac complications from systemic bacterial infections which can spread through the bloodstream.
4. The procedure is non-invasive and involves using a transducer placed on the chest surface to obtain heart images.
5. Doppler echocardiography, a type of echocardiogram, measures blood flow and pressure within the heart chambers.

Review Questions

• What types of infections can an echocardiogram help diagnose in relation to the circulatory system?
• How does an echocardiogram assist in identifying complications from systemic bacterial infections?
• Why might Doppler echocardiography be specifically useful in assessing bacterial infections affecting the heart?

Related terms

Infective Endocarditis: A bacterial infection that affects the inner lining of the heart and its valves.

Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium, often due to infection.

Doppler Echocardiography: A specialized form of echocardiography that evaluates blood flow through the heart's chambers and valves.