Cardiac ultrasound or echocardiography transthoracic is among the most important imaging investigations of the heart. It is a non-invasive method of diagnosis, performed with a transducer (probe) that emits and picks up ultrasound, positioned on the patient's chest.

By analyzing the information obtained, the heart is visualized in real time on a screen, in the form of different sections ("slices"). The images provide valuable data about:

• structure and function of the heart,
• the size of the heart chambers,
• appearance and function of valves,
• the large vessels that come to and go from the heart,
• possible intracardiac formations that can guide the diagnosis and therapeutic decision.

Transthoracic echocardiography is a widely accessible diagnostic method. It is an investigation:

• Fast,
• painless,
• neiradiantă,
• no contraindications,
• which requires no special training.

It can be carried out whenever necessary, including at copies and pregnant women. It is performed both in acute clinical situationsas well as chronic patients, both in ambulatoryas well as in hospital.

It is recommended in:

• assessment of patients with symptoms or signs of heart disease,
• monitoring people with cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, family history).
• regular follow-up of patients with known heart disease,
• assessment before and after interventional, surgical or hybrid cardiac procedures.

Echocardiography is also indispensable in cases where a post-interventional complication is suspected. It can be used for guiding procedures on the heart, including in intensive care, in cardiac catheterization laboratory or electrophysiology.

This examination is also useful in:

• oncologic diseases, in the context of certain cytostatic treatment regimens,
• pulmonary, rheumatologic, infectious or autoimmune diseases, non-cardiac surgery, when the planned intervention may adversely influence a pre-existing cardiovascular disease.