Can Echocardiogram Detect Artery Blockages?

Echocardiograms are valuable tools for assessing heart health, but they are not the most effective test for directly screening for artery blockages (which causes coronary artery disease).

What Are Artery Blockages?

Artery blockages occur when plaque (made up of fats, cholesterol and other substances) builds up on the artery walls, resulting in a narrowing of the arteries. When this happens in the coronary arteries, i.e. the main blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, the supply of blood to the heart is reduced. This condition is called “coronary artery disease”. A heart attack may occur when there is a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart.

Learn More: Coronary Heart Disease In Singapore >>

Can An Echocardiogram Detect Artery Blockages?

An echocardiogram can assess heart function and detect structural abnormalities, such as weak heart muscles, valve problems, and fluid buildup around the heart. However, it does not directly visualise the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying blood to the heart. Since artery blockages occurs when these arteries become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup, an echocardiogram alone cannot definitively diagnose coronary artery disease.

That said, an echocardiogram can indicate indirect signs of coronary artery disease, such as:

• Reduced heart muscle movement, which suggests a lack of oxygen supply to certain areas of the heart
• Previous silent heart attacks, where heart tissue damage is visible
• Weakening of the heart’s pumping ability (ejection fraction drop)

What Are The Best Tests For Screening Coronary Heart Disease?

For individuals concerned about artery blockages, doctors may recommend additional tests alongside an echocardiogram, including:

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG) – An ECG detects irregular heart rhythms.
2. Stress Echocardiogram – An echocardiogram combined with exercise or medication to assess how well the heart responds to stress, helping detect artery blockages.
3. CT Coronary Angiography – A CT Coronary Angiogram uses a CT scan and contrast dye to directly visualise the coronary arteries and detect blockages.
4. Coronary Angiogram – Unlike a CT Coronary Angiogram, this procedure is a minimally invasive test where a catheter is inserted into the arteries to check for blockages.
5. Cardiac MRI – This scan provides detailed imaging of the heart’s structure and function.

Should You Get An Echocardiogram If You Are Concerned About Artery Blockages?

If you have risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease, an echocardiogram can be part of a comprehensive heart screening. However, if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease, more specialised tests like a stress test or CT coronary angiography may be needed.

For those in Singapore, a consultation with a cardiologist can help determine the most suitable tests based on your risk profile. Early detection and prevention are key to managing heart disease effectively.

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