What is a 2-D Echo?

 

 

An echocardiogram often referred to as a cardiac ECHO or simply an ECHO, is a sonogram of the heart also known as a cardiac ultrasound, it uses standard ultrasound techniques to image two-dimensional slices of the heart.

 

This allows assessment of cardiac valve areas and function, any abnormal communications between the left and right side of the heart, any leaking of blood through the valves (valvular regurgitation), and calculation of the cardiac output as well as the ejection fraction. Other parameters measured include cardiac dimensions (luminal diameters and septal thicknesses) and E/A ratio.
 

When is a 2-D ECHO used?

 

Echocardiography is used to diagnose cardiovascular diseases. In fact, it is one of the most widely used diagnostic tests for heart disease.