What is echocardiography?

Cardiac ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture the structure and function of the heart. The principle is to emit ultrasonic waves through a probe, which are reflected when they meet the heart tissue, which is then received by the probe and converted into an image. This technology is not only safe and non-radiation, but also widely used in clinical practice because it allows for real-time observation of dynamic changes in the heart.

Common types of cardiac ultrasound examinations include:

• Transthoracic ultrasound: The most common type of examination is the placement of a probe on the surface of the chest, suitable for the initial assessment of the structure and function of the heart.
• Transesophageal ultrasound: The probe is close to the heart through the esophagus, providing a clearer image and is often used to evaluate valvular disease and intracardiac thrombosis.
• Dappler Superwave: Combined with blood flow velocity measurement, it can analyze changes in blood flow direction and pressure in the heart, which is particularly useful for diagnosing valve stenosis and regurgitation.

According to the Hong Kong Health Bureau, approximately 15% of patients with cardiovascular disease require cardiac ultrasound every year. It is important to note that ultrasound technology is not only used for cardiac examinations, but ultrasound examinations recommended by gynecologists in Hong Kong are also important tools for prenatal evaluation of pregnant women.

Use of echocardiography

The main applications of cardiac ultrasound can be divided into two aspects: structure and function. Structural assessment can accurately measure ventricular size, atrial volume, and myocardial thickness, allowing for detailed observation of valve opening and closing conditions. For example, problems such as mitral valve prolapse or aortic stenosis can be clearly visualized by ultrasound.香港婦科醫生推薦

When it comes to functional assessment, ultrasound can be calculatedEjection Factor(EF value) is an important indicator of the pumping efficiency of the heart. A normal EF value should be between 55 and 70%, and if it is less than 40%, it may indicate heart failure. In addition, ultrasound can detect:

• Abnormal regional myocardial contractions (e.g., areas of myocardial necrosis after myocardial infarction)
• Pericardial effusion (abnormal when fluid volume exceeds 50 ml)
• Congenital heart disease (e.g., atrial diaphragm defect)

According to a study by the University of Hong Kong School of Medicine, ultrasound shows 92% accuracy in diagnosing heart failure. Since osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease share common risk factors, the Hong Kong government's free osteoporosis screening program also provides relevant risk assessments for people who are also concerned about bone health.

Who should do hypersound?

If you have certain symptoms or cardiovascular risk factors are present, your doctor will usually recommend an ultrasound of your heart. The following groups deserve special attention:

According to data from the Hong Kong Health Protection Centre, about 30% of people over 40 years of age with three highs (hypertension, hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia) have early cardiac dysfunction. Such patients are recommended to undergo ultrasound screening every 2-3 years, even if there are no obvious symptoms. It is worth noting that a decrease in estrogen increases the risk of heart disease, so menopausal women recommended by gynecologists in Hong Kong should also pay attention to cardiovascular examinations.

Echo heart procedure

Before the examination, the patient needs to remove his shirt and put on electrode pads, and the doctor will apply a conductive gel to the chest to facilitate sound wave conduction. The whole procedure takes about 20-30 minutes, and to get the best image, you need to combine different positions (left side, back).

There may be a slight pressure when the probe touches the skin, but it is usually painless. Transesophageal ultrasound requires 4-6 hours of fasting, and laryngeal anesthesia is given during the examination to reduce discomfort. The average waiting time for an ultrasound test in Hong Kong is 8-12 weeks, but private institutions can arrange same-day examinations.

Special Note: If you are eligible for free osteoporosis screening by the Hong Kong government (aged 65 years or above or high-risk groups), you can consider arranging a combined health check-up schedule. After the examination, you need to wipe off the gel on your body and immediately ask your doctor for preliminary results, and a full report usually takes 1-3 working days.

Interpretation of cardiac ultrasound results

The ultrasound report contains many professional parameters, and the following is a brief description of the main indicators.超聲波

• Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF):
• Ventricular wall movement: Reduced local movement may suggest coronary artery occlusion
• Valve Backflow Degree: Divided into 1+ (mild) to 4+ (severe)

The Hong Kong Society of Cardiology recommends that abnormal results need to be further interpreted by cardiologists, and tests such as electrocardiogram, exercise stress test, and CT coronary angiography may be required. Treatment options vary depending on the diagnosis and can range from medication management (e.g., β blockers) to surgical interventions (valve repair). Regular follow-up ultrasounds can monitor disease progression, and patients with heart failure should usually be re-examined every 6-12 months.

Finally, it should be emphasized that advancements in ultrasound technology have enabled early diagnosis. There are more than 200 advanced ultrasound machines in Hong Kong, with an annual examination volume of more than 100,000 people. Whether it's a cardiac ultrasound or a gynecological ultrasound recommended by a gynecologist in Hong Kong, timely examination is an important line of defense to protect your health.

Posted by: arrowo at 04:46 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 934 words, total size 7 kb.