What is echocardiography mainly used to assess?

Echocardiography is primarily utilized to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. This imaging technique uses ultrasound waves to create dynamic images of the heart, which allows for detailed assessment of the heart's chambers, valves, and overall function. By analyzing these images, healthcare professionals can detect abnormalities such as valve diseases, heart wall motion, and congenital heart defects, as well as assess cardiac output and other functional parameters. This comprehensive view of the heart's morphology and its ability to pump blood makes echocardiography an essential tool in cardiology.

While blood pressure levels are critical indicators of cardiovascular health, echocardiography itself does not measure blood pressure directly. Instead, it provides insights into how well the heart is functioning mechanically. Pulmonary circulation is an important aspect of heart health, and it can be indirectly assessed through echocardiography; however, the primary focus remains on the heart's structure and function. Thyroid function is unrelated to echocardiography, as it pertains to the endocrine system and is evaluated through different means, such as blood tests or ultrasound of the thyroid gland.