Definition

1. Noun:
   • A noninvasive diagnostic medical procedure: Echocardiography is a diagnostic technique that uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart.
   • The study of heart structure and function: It is used to examine the size, shape, and motion of the heart's chambers, valves, and walls, as well as the flow of blood through the heart.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor ordered an echocardiography to assess the patient's heart valve function.
  • Advances in echocardiography have made it a crucial tool in cardiology.

Advanced Usage

• "Doppler echocardiography": A specific type of echocardiography that uses the Doppler effect to visualize and assess blood flow through the heart and major vessels.

  • Doppler echocardiography was used to measure the velocity of blood through the narrowed valve.

• "Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)": A procedure where an ultrasound probe is passed down the esophagus to get clearer images of the heart from behind it.

  • A transesophageal echocardiography provided a more detailed view of the atrial septum.

Variants and Related Words

• Echocardiogram (n): The visual record or image produced by an echocardiography procedure.

  • The echocardiogram showed normal ventricular function.

• Echocardiographer (n): A medical professional trained to perform echocardiography.

  • The echocardiographer positioned the transducer on the patient's chest.

Synonyms

• Cardiac ultrasound: A synonymous term for echocardiography.
• Echo (informal): A common, informal shortening of "echocardiogram" or "echocardiography" in clinical settings.

Related Phrases

• To undergo an echocardiography: To have the procedure performed.

  • The patient will undergo an echocardiography next week.

• Echocardiography findings/results: The information or diagnosis obtained from the procedure.

  • The echocardiography findings were consistent with heart failure.

Noun

1. a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to study to structure and motions of the heart