Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body using high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image on a computer screen. No ionizing radiation (X-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and determine the condition of a pregnant woman along with her fetus.
Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body’s internal organs, including the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs that enables physicians to see blood flow as well as heart valve functions. This can help us diagnose a variety of heart conditions and access damage after a heart attack or other illness.