What is the significance of a PFO? Cardiology Basics
PFO is short form for patent foramen ovale. Usually foramen ovale closes soon after birth so that there is no communication between the two atria in most persons. But occasionally, a small opening may persist and then it is called PFO. PFO is a valvular opening through the interatrial septum.
When the pressure in the left atrium rises after birth as the lungs become functional and increases pulmonary venous return, it presses on the left side of the foramen ovale and closes it. Even if there is a residual opening, most of the time there is no shunting of blood across the PFO because left atrial pressure is higher than tha...
Source: Cardiophile MD - October 12, 2022 Category: Cardiology Authors: Johnson Francis Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs
How to interpret an echo report? Cardiology Basics
Echocardiogram, often called just echo in short is ultrasound imaging of the heart. Though the actual types of details mentioned in echo report may vary between institutions and even persons reporting it, in general there are several common aspects. Reports of children with congenital heart disease will have a different pattern. This discussion is mainly on an echo report from a general cardiology setup.
In addition to details of identification and date of procedure, indication for the study and the quality of images are usually mentioned in the beginning of the report. Quality of images may be poor in those with emphysem...
Source: Cardiophile MD - October 12, 2022 Category: Cardiology Authors: Johnson Francis Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs
What is Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)? Cardiology Basics
Echocardiogram is an image of the heart using ultrasound. An ultrasound beam is transmitted into the body using a device known as transducer. The echo received from the body is processed by the computer in the machine to give a moving image of the heart.
Transesophageal echocardiogram or TEE, is obtained by introducing a special type of transducer, also called a TEE probe, into the esophagus and stomach. Usual echocardiogram is obtained by placing the transducer or probe on the chest.
Lungs may overlap the heart intermittently while imaging the heart from the chest wall. This is because the lungs cover part of the heart d...
Source: Cardiophile MD - October 11, 2022 Category: Cardiology Authors: Johnson Francis Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs
What is dobutamine stress echocardiography? Cardiology Basics
Usual stress test for the heart is exercise ECG in which serial ECG recordings are done during a graded exercise protocol, usually on a treadmill. There are certain conditions like left bundle branch block in which an exercise ECG becomes uninterpretable. Some persons are unable to exercise on a treadmill due to illness or disability. In such situations dobutamine infusion is given instead of exercise, to increase heart rate and myocardial contractility, thereby increasing the workload of myocardium. Echocardiograms are taken then to assess the response of the myocardium to stress. This is known as dobutamine stress echoc...
Source: Cardiophile MD - October 11, 2022 Category: Cardiology Authors: Johnson Francis Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs
Important blood tests in relation to the heart – Cardiology Basics
Important blood tests in relation to the heart – Cardiology Basics
Here are some important blood tests in relation to the heart. Normal ranges of some of these tests may vary between labs.
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood and has a role in the development of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries as well as other arteries. Desirable value of total cholesterol in blood is less than 200 milligrams per decilitre.
Triglycerides is another type of fat found in the blood. Desirable value is less than 150 milligrams per decilitre. Very high levels of triglycerides carry a risk of pancreatitis. Calorie restr...
Source: Cardiophile MD - October 11, 2022 Category: Cardiology Authors: Johnson Francis Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs
