Echocardiography
What is echocardiography?
Echocardiography, also known as an echocardiogram, is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to obtain images and information about the heart's moving structures. This examination allows medical professionals to study the heart's anatomical structure in detail, determine the size of the ventricles and atria, and assess the thickness of the heart walls. It provides an opportunity to evaluate the function of the heart valves and the heart muscle, as well as to identify scar tissue or blood clots that may have formed after a heart attack. An echocardiogram not only shows the speed and direction of blood flow in the heart but also helps identify any abnormalities that, although they may not cause the patient discomfort for a long time, could still be dangerous.
To maintain heart health, it is necessary to know the symptoms of cardiovascular disease and quickly recognise life-threatening situations. This allows you to make a timely decision about whether a cardiological examination is needed or whether to call an ambulance.
There are several symptoms that may indicate the need for echocardiography (echocardiogram) to assess heart health:
- Shortness of breath: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially after exercise, may indicate heart failure or other heart problems;
- Irregular heartbeat: If you experience an irregular heartbeat, a slow or rapid heartbeat, or skipped beats, this may be a reason to have an echocardiogram;
- Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest, especially if it radiates to the arm, shoulder, neck, or jaw;
- Weakness and fatigue: Unexplained and prolonged fatigue may indicate heart failure or other heart problems;
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness: Transient dizziness or a brief loss of consciousness may indicate cardiac arrhythmia or other heart disease.
If one or more of these symptoms appear, it is important to consult a doctor who can refer the patient for an echocardiogram or make an appointment for one yourself.
What diseases can be diagnosed with echocardiography?
Echocardiography can diagnose many conditions and disorders of the heart and surrounding structures. Among the diseases and conditions that can be diagnosed using echocardiography are:
- Consequences of coronary artery disease, such as disturbances in the movement of the heart muscle walls;
- Heart valve diseases, including valve insufficiency and valve stenosis;
- Heart hypertrophy, i.e. thickening of the heart walls;
- Enlargement or change in the size of the heart chambers, such as enlargement of the ventricles or atria;
- Pericarditis, which is inflammation of the heart lining;
- Cardiomyopathies, including dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy;
- Heart failure, helping to assess heart function and ejection fraction;
- Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection;
- Assessment of the risk of cardiac thrombi and embolism;
- Pulmonary hypertension;
- Congenital heart defects in adults and children;
- Atrial and ventricular septal defects.
Echocardiography is a non-invasive, safe and highly informative examination that helps doctors make an accurate diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment for patients with cardiovascular diseases.
Echocardiography at FORTEMED
FORTEMED's echocardiography specialists are highly qualified cardiologists with in-depth knowledge of cardiac diagnostics and many years of clinical experience. Our experts perform both standard and advanced echocardiography, enabling them to accurately assess heart structure and function, promptly identify potential diseases, and determine the most appropriate treatment strategy.
FORTEMED's echocardiography experts care for the heart health of each patient with exceptional precision, an individualised approach, and the highest quality standards.
Both adults and children can undergo echocardiography at our centre.
Dr.med. Žanna Pičkure is an outstanding professional cardiologist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, specialising in clinical medicine, with a particular focus on advanced cardiological diagnostics. Dr. Pičkure performs expert echocardiography — an advanced technique of transthoracic echocardiography that allows for the most detailed assessment of the condition and health of the heart.
Dr. Madara Ventiņa is an experienced cardiologist, an expert in echocardiography with many years of practice, and a member of the Latvian Association of Cardiologists. In addition, Dr Madara Ventiņa is a member of the European Society of Cardiology. She teaches at Riga Stradiņš University and works as a cardiologist at P. Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital. To continuously improve and expand her skills and knowledge, Dr. Ventina completed an internship in medicine at the University of Warsaw. Dr. Ventina actively participates in international congresses, seminars and exhibitions.
For echocardiographic examinations at the FORTEMED centre, we use the most advanced expert-level ultrasound machine – the Mindray Resona I9. It is equipped with a highly sensitive ultrasound sensor for cardiac examinations. The unique features of Resona I9, excellent scanning flexibility, and innovations in hardware and software guarantee accurate and fast diagnostics, providing doctors with all the necessary information.
Appointment for echocardiography at FORTEMED
If you would like to make an appointment for an echocardiogram at the FORTEMED medical centre, you have two convenient options:
- Call our appointment managers on 23304440. Our qualified specialists will answer all your questions and arrange the most convenient appointment time for you;
- If you would like to book online, click on the red button at the bottom of the page.
