Patient's question:
Today I had an echocardiogram, and it was said that there is a hole in the heart. There was echocardiographic dropout in the middle of the interatrial septum (about 1.8). The diagnosis is atrial septal defect (left-to-right shunt). I would like to ask everyone, under what circumstances is an echocardiogram performed?Doctor's answer:
General echocardiography primarily checks for organic lesions, valve stenosis, blood flow, and other conditions in the heart. Echocardiography can detect the size of the atria and ventricles, the closure of valves, and the direction of blood flow. Therefore, before undergoing echocardiography, other tests such as electrocardiograms (ECGs), X-rays, and auscultation are usually performed to suspect the aforementioned conditions, followed by the selection of echocardiography for further examination. Currently, echocardiography is the only instrument that can visually display valve lesions. It is recommended that if any discomfort is experienced, detailed medical examination in a hospital is necessary.