What are the advantages and disadvantages of doppler echocardiography?

Question

I need to write the advantages and disadvantages of echocardiography...nothing too long. I can think of a few advantages but no disadvantages...anyone know a few? I'd like to hear any advantages you can think of off the top of you rhead aswel

Answer 1

Off the top of my head:

Advantages:  allow you to see real-time structures, movement, and pressure gradients to estimate flow; cheap (relative to other imaging); portable (can be brought to critical patients)

Disadvantages:  requires trained operating and interpreting staff; poor images in the obese or barrel-chested (who probably need it most often)

Probably plenty more, but these are the ones that stand out to me.

Answer 2

Dr. Ben hit pretty much all the high points.

I might add in as advantages:  noninvasive and no radiation involved; there are no known risks to echocardiography.  As disadvantages...not really anything new to add.  It doesn't show electrical activity, I guess; you need an EKG for that.