What is an Echocardiography?

An echocardiogram, or ultrasound, uses sound waves to create an image of the heart as it works. It is a simple, painless and harmless procedure done in the same way that ultrasound pictures are taken.
An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart. A Doppler test uses sound waves to measure the speed and direction of blood flow. By combining these tests, a pediatric cardiologist gets useful information about the heart’s anatomy and function. Echocardiography is the most common test used in children to diagnose or rule out heart disease and also to follow children who have already been diagnosed with a heart problem. This test can be performed on children of all ages and sizes including fetuses and newborns.
Echocardiography diagnoses cardiac problems, and also guides heart surgery and complex cardiac catheterizations.

Why do children need an Echocardiography?

Pediatric Echo diagnose diseases affect children or newborn heart such as :
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart murmur
• Aneurysm
• Cardiomyopathy
• Congestive heart failure
• Pericarditis
• Valve disease

How to Prepare for Echocardiogram?

• Generally, you dont need to do any preparation such as fasting or having sedation.
• Tell your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements that you are taking.
• Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker.