Echocardiography is one of the most important non-invasive techniques used in the diagnosis of heart disease today.

M-Mode and two-dimensional echocardiography is most commonly used for diagnosing conditions that require knowledge of the anatomy of the heart, such as valve disease, ventricular enlargement and congenital heart abnormalities. It is widely employed in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart) and is the best technique for diagnosing idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, a condition in which a portion of heart muscle has become excessively thickened.

When combined with the Doppler technique, which records changes in frequency of sound waves, echocardiography can be used to measure blood flow through heart valves and calculate pressure differences across valves. Doppler echocardiograms are an effective method to determine the degree of narrowing, calcification or leakage of a valve. The technique also provides measurements of blood flow within the heart's chambers to assess their function while pumping and resting (systolic and diastolic function), and blood flow in the major blood vessels and peripheral vessels in the arms and legs.

One of the most important uses of portable echocardiography in the UK is in community-based detection and monitoring of heart failure. Heart Failure is a common and progressive condition which places a huge burden on UK healthcare resources. Effective management depends on regular monitoring of the size and function of the heart.

HealthVision Xi can provide effective community Echocardiography services for heart failure as well as screening iniatives for athletic organisations.