Noninvasive test that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to provide moving images of the heart and surrounding blood vessels.
Main indications include:
- determine cardiac function
- evaluate the size of the chambers, thickness of the walls and heart valves
- examine the pericardium (membrane that covers the heart)
- evaluate aorta, pulmonary artery and vena cava
- investigate the presence of masses, tumors and intracardiac thrombi
- study the etiology of cardiac symptoms (shortness of breath, chest pain, angina, palpitations)
- sports tests to exclude causes of sudden death in athletes
