Utility of Echocardiogram in the Evaluation of Heart Murmurs

Abstract

Valvular heart disease is a common condition in today's patient population. Accurate characterization of vital cardiac structures has become crucial to early diagnosis and varied treatment options. The advent of ultrasound technology has had a large impact in cardiovascular medicine, particularly in the assessment of valvular heart disease. Today its versatility and availability have allowed it to become one of the most frequently ordered imaging tests for cardiovascular indications. Despite the tremendous evidence that suggests that clinical examinations are still standard of care, a large volume of referrals for echocardiograms suggests differently.

Keywords: Cost-effective care; Echocardiogram; Murmur; Primary care; Valvular heart disease.