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An echocardiogram, also known as an echo, is a non-invasive imaging test that produces detailed images of the heart using ultrasound waves. It helps doctors assess the heart’s structure and function, including its chambers, valves, and blood flow. Echocardiograms are crucial in diagnosing and monitoring various heart conditions, like heart murmurs, valve disorders, and cardiomyopathy.
This is a safe and painless test that is suitable for individuals of every age. It is usually recommended for people who experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations. In addition to this, echocardiograms can identify congenital heart defects, evaluate the effectiveness of treatments, and help in decision-making for surgeries by medical experts at Pantai Hospitals.
What are the Common Reasons for an Echocardiogram?
Doctors may use an echocardiogram to assess different types of heart conditions, grouped as follows:
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Structural Abnormalities |
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Congenital Heart Defects |
Birth defects in heart structures, such as holes in the heart. |
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Septal Defects |
Holes in the heart walls that elevate the risk of stroke. |
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Shunts |
Abnormal blood flow pathways. |
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Heart Muscle and Function Issues |
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Cardiomyopathy |
Weakened or enlarged heart muscle. |
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Heart Failure |
Inefficient blood pumping caused by weak heart muscle. |
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Atherosclerosis |
The arteries harden, which impacts heart function. |
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Valve and Circulation Problems |
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Heart Valve Disease |
Heart valve issues, like leakage or narrowing. |
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Aneurysms |
Bulges in the heart muscle or aorta. |
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Inflammatory and Fluid Conditions |
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Pericarditis |
Inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. |
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Pericardial Effusion/Tamponade |
Fluid accumulation surrounding the heart may result in compression. |
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Unusual Growths or Tumours |
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Cardiac Tumours |
Abnormal growths within or on the heart. |
What are the Types of Echocardiograms and Their Applications?
Different kinds of echocardiograms are used to meet particular diagnostic requirements:
Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)
This is the most common kind, in which pictures are taken by placing a transducer on the chest. It is normally used for early assessments.
Transoesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)
A transducer is slotted into the oesophagus for better images of the heart’s structures, specifically for identifying clots or infections.
Stress Echocardiogram
This entails imaging the heart both before and after exercise or stress caused by medicine to detect issues that happen under physical strain.
Doppler Echocardiogram
Used to quantify blood flow and spot abnormal patterns, like backflow through valves.
Foetal Echocardiogram
Carried out to assess a baby’s heart development during pregnancy.
Every type is personalised to certain situations, ensuring exact diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
What are the Benefits of an Echocardiogram at Pantai Hospitals?
Calcium scoring and angiograms are crucial diagnostic tools greatly used to assess heart health and identify coronary artery disease (CAD), a top cause of heart attacks and cardiovascular complications. While the purpose of these two tests is to evaluate cardiovascular risk thoroughly, their methodologies, applications, and the provided insights notably vary—calcium scoring quantifies plaque buildup in the coronary arteries to predict the possibility of future heart events. In contrast to this, angiograms offer specific visualisations of the arteries, accurately locating and measuring blockages or narrowing that can cause critical cardiovascular conditions.
Echocardiograms performed at Pantai Hospitals provide several notable advantages:
Early and Precise Diagnosis: Timely detection and accurate evaluation of heart abnormalities, like valve disorders, heart muscle dysfunction, or congenital heart defects, allowing early intervention, notably decreasing the risk of serious complications and enhancing patient outcomes.
Expert Analysis: Our team of highly skilled cardiologists and specialised technicians provides accurate interpretations of echocardiography results, guaranteeing accurate and clear diagnostic conclusions. This professional interpretation backs up personalised treatment plans that effectively address individual patient needs.
Comprehensive Patient Care: Pantai Hospitals offers comprehensive, integrated care that includes early diagnosis, thorough consultation, individualized treatment planning, and ongoing management. This seamless approach guarantees continuity of care, enhancing the patient experience and the efficacy of treatment.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Pantai Hospitals is equipped with advanced technology and imaging equipment, therefore guaranteeing peak imaging quality, improved diagnostic accuracy, and maximum patient safety, establishing the standard for cardiac care.
Schedule an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals
Your heart health is too important to be neglected. An echocardiogram is an important diagnostic tool during a heart check-up. It does not matter whether you are experiencing symptoms of a heart condition, have a family history of cardiac issues, or need routine monitoring. At Pantai Hospitals, our professional team is dedicated to offering world-class cardiac care in a comfortable and supportive environment. Take the first step towards better heart health today by booking an appointment with us. Let us help you guarantee your heart stays strong and healthy. You may also book an appointment via our website or download our MyHealth360 application from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
