Strengths and limitations of modern echocardiography in cardiovascular disease diagnostics

Abstract

Recently, echocardiography has been playing an increasing role in the diagnostics of cardiovascular disease. Qualitative assessment of heart chamber sizes, myocardial mass, systolic and diastolic function is one of the most important tasks of echocardiography. Some of these parameters could be used as predictors of adverse prognosis. This paper presents the relevant recommendations by the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), which focus on the echocardiography standardisation, indications, and interpretation of the findings in patients with various cardiovascular diseases. The specific features of echocardiography indications and performance inRussiaare also discussed.

Keywords

• echocardiography
• indications
• recommendations
• standartisation