Q. What is Echocardiography?

An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. It is used in the children to help diagnose defects of the heart that are present at birth (congenital). Quality of details obtained on echocardiography- depends on knowledge and skills of the person doing it. It helps in deciding right plan of treatment and monitoring heart status.

During an echocardiogram, a doctor can see:

1. The size and thickness of the chambers
2. How the valves of the heart are functioning
3. The direction of blood flow through the heart
4. Any blood clots in the heart
5. Areas of damaged or weak cardiac muscle tissue
6. Problems affecting the pericardium, which is the fluid-filled sac around the heart
7. Coronary Abnormalities