Echocardiography (ECHO)

When a heart murmur is detected, in cases of shortness of breath, or when valve disease is suspected, echocardiography is an indispensable diagnostic tool. It measures valve narrowing or leakage with millimetric precision. These findings are critical in deciding whether medical treatment or surgery is required.

Prof. Dr. Arıcan specializes in valve diseases and works closely with cardiovascular surgery teams in planning valve operations using 3D echocardiography and transesophageal ECHO.

In patients diagnosed with heart failure, echocardiography is performed at regular intervals to determine disease severity and monitor response to treatment. It calculates the heart’s pumping capacity as a percentage and shows which regions are functioning weakly.

With strain echocardiography, early signs of heart failure can be detected before conventional echocardiographic findings appear, allowing earlier treatment and slowing disease progression.

After a heart attack, echocardiography clearly shows which areas of the heart have been damaged and which are functioning normally. This information guides post-discharge medication adjustments and lifestyle recommendations.

It is also used to detect complications such as cardiac wall rupture or pericardial effusion.

Long-standing high blood pressure and diabetes can cause thickening and stiffening of the heart muscle over time. Echocardiography allows regular monitoring of myocardial thickness, cardiac flexibility, and pumping function.

Early detection of cardiac damage caused by these chronic diseases enables timely adjustment of treatment and may prevent progression to heart failure.

Some cancer treatments, especially chemotherapy agents, can have adverse effects on the heart. Patients undergoing oncologic treatment require echocardiography before, during, and after therapy.

Strain echocardiography can detect early myocardial changes before a decline in pumping function occurs. Prof. Dr. Arıcan has extensive experience in cardiac monitoring of oncology patients and works in coordination with oncologists when necessary.

In patients with palpitations, echocardiography investigates structural heart diseases that may cause rhythm disturbances. In patients with irregular rhythms such as atrial fibrillation, transesophageal echocardiography is used to check for intracardiac clots.

If ablation or cardioversion is planned, transesophageal ECHO provides essential pre-procedural information.

Before starting professional or amateur sports, especially in individuals with a family history of sudden death, echocardiography is used to assess cardiac structure. Conditions such as excessive myocardial thickening, valve disease, or congenital heart defects can be identified.

In athletes, strain echocardiography provides a more detailed assessment of cardiac response under high-performance conditions.

No, echocardiography is completely harmless. It uses sound waves and does not involve radiation. It can be safely performed even during pregnancy and repeated as often as needed without side effects.

Standard transthoracic echocardiography takes approximately 20–30 minutes. If a more detailed examination or 3D imaging is required, the duration may be slightly longer. Transesophageal echocardiography may take 45–60 minutes including preparation.

Transthoracic echocardiography is not painful at all. You may feel mild pressure from the probe on your chest. During transesophageal echocardiography, local anesthesia is applied to the throat, minimizing discomfort. Mild sedation may also be administered.

Yes, you may take your medications as usual before standard echocardiography. If transesophageal ECHO is planned, you may still take your medications, but fasting requirements may affect timing—consult your doctor.

Yes, they are very different. ECG (electrocardiography) measures the electrical activity of the heart and records it as waveforms. Echocardiography uses ultrasound to visualize cardiac anatomy, chamber sizes, contractile function, and valve performance. ECG takes about 5 minutes, whereas echocardiography takes 20–30 minutes and provides much more detailed structural information.

No, it is not required in every case. Your doctor decides whether echocardiography is necessary based on physical examination and ECG findings. It is commonly requested in cases of chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, leg swelling, or detection of a heart murmur. It is also performed periodically in patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

3D echocardiography does not replace standard 2D echocardiography; it complements it. It provides valuable additional information, especially in detailed valve evaluation, preoperative planning, and assessment of complex cardiac anatomy. However, it is not required for every patient and is used when deemed necessary by the physician.