Role of echocardiography in cardiology consultation

Abstract

Echocardiography can be used to evaluate almost any cardiovascular disease process and provide structural/anatomical, functional, and hemodynamic information in real time at the patient's bedside. It can be used in both stable and critically ill patients. This chapter discusses important elements and uses of transthoracic, transesophageal, and stress echocardiography that are important to consultative cardiology, including appropriate ordering, echocardiographic techniques, and standard and emerging clinical uses.