Echocardiogram

Really. Do all children who visit the pediatric cardiologist require an echocardiogram?

No. Only when there is a suspicion of heart disease in the comprehensive approach.

What is the echocardiogram?

It is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that allows visualizing in real time the structures of the heart (cavities, valves, tissue, blood vessels, etc.) and the function of the heart (contractility, blood flow).

How does the echocardiogram work?

It uses ultrasound waves emitted from a transducer placed on the patient’s chest and traveling to internal body structures, including the heart. When these waves reach the heart, they return to the transducer, which the machine processes, creating images in real time for interpretation and diagnosis.

Does ultrasound waves cause any harm?

No, they are harmless to patients. Furthermore, fetal echocardiograms are performed and do not involve any risk to the baby.

What is color Doppler?

It is a form of echocardiographic study in which blood flow within the heart and blood vessels is processed in color, usually blue and red. The blue color represents the blood that moves away and the red color, the one that approaches the transducer. This will allow visualization of blood flow abnormalities as well as leaks through valves or defects within the heart.

Who should perform echocardiograms in children?

These studies should be performed by pediatric cardiologists and / or doctors with certified training in congenital heart defects.

If my relative is an adult and has a heart disease from birth, who should do the study?

It applies in the same way: pediatric cardiologists and / or doctors with certified training in congenital heart defects.

An echocardiogram was performed on my son by an adult cardiologist. Is it enough or should it be repeated?

Only your pediatric cardiologist in its comprehensive evaluation will be able to consider with all the elements (physical examination, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray and evolution of the clinical picture) whether this study is sufficient or will need to be repeated.

Is any study preparation required?

It depends. In the youngest (RN and infants), the acoustic window is usually occupied below the appendix of the sternal bone and if the little one has just been fed, it could condition reflux, therefore, it is suggested to leave their feeding pending. In the bigger ones, which already cooperate a little more, you can try a toy, a lollipop and in the worst case, the famous “pacifier”.