Speckle-tracking echocardiography: look into the true health of your heart

Our body is a unique biosystem capable of compensating for functional disorders in the work of organs and systems for a long time, which is why most diseases are asymptomatic in the early stages. However, the further development of the disease at some point crosses the asymptomatic threshold and moves from a hidden state to the status of a manifest illness. A vivid illustration, using the cardiovascular system as an example, is the mechanism of heart failure progression, which, before the advent of Speckle Tracking Echo, was diagnosed by doctors upon finding a reduction in Ejection Fraction (EF). However, as it turned out, this disease begins long before the EF shows reduced values!

What is Speckle Tracking Echo

Speckle Tracking Echo (STE) is an innovative, non-invasive, and highly accurate ultrasound method of examination that takes the diagnosis of the heart muscle’s condition to a new level.

Unlike standard cardiac ultrasound, which assesses the overall volume and percentage of blood ejected (EF), Speckle Tracking Echo allows for the quantitative evaluation of the slightest impairments in myocardial contractility. This method tracks the movement of microscopic areas (speckles) of the heart muscle, measuring its deformation (strain) – that is, how well and synchronously the muscle fibers contract in three directions: longitudinal, circumferential, and radial.

The key indicator is Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS). This is the most sensitive indicator, reflecting the contractile ability of the heart muscle fibers, and it is precisely what allows our experts to see hidden pathology when other indicators are still within the normal range.

The main advantage of speckle tracking is the detection of impaired myocardial contractility even before these impairments cause a reduction in ejection fraction, and consequently, the onset of heart failure symptoms.

• Detection of Hidden Pathology: The method allows for the detection of initial (subclinical) left ventricular (LV) dysfunction even when the traditional indicator – Ejection Fraction (EF) – is still within the normal range (55-70%). A relative reduction in GLS of only 15% or more from your baseline level is an alarming signal that requires immediate attention from a cardiologist, as it indicates the beginning of structural changes.

• Prevention of Heart Failure: By identifying the problem at this early, asymptomatic stage, doctors at "Oberih" Clinic can immediately adjust treatment or prescribe cardioprotective therapy. This allows us to effectively prevent the development of severe heart failure, significantly increasing your chances for a long and healthy life.

• Non-Invasiveness and Safety: The examination is completely safe, requires no intervention, and is performed like a standard cardiac ultrasound.

Special Value for Oncological Patients

We understand that cancer treatment is a priority, but it should not cost you the health of your heart.

— Cardiotoxicity of Chemotherapy: Many modern and effective chemotherapeutic drugs, as well as radiation therapy in the heart area, can have cardiotoxic effects. This effect often leads to damage to the heart muscle, which can subsequently cause cardiomyopathy and heart failure.

— The Main Indication for Use: dynamic observation using Speckle Tracking Echo. It is key for oncology patients:

• before starting treatment (to determine the baseline level);
• during chemotherapy (for rapid detection of cardiotoxicity);
• after completing treatment.

This allows our cardiologist experts, in collaboration with oncologists, to promptly adjust the treatment regimen, minimizing the risk to your heart without stopping the fight against the primary disease.

At "Oberig" Clinic, Speckle Tracking Echo is the standard of examination for patients at risk of LV systolic dysfunction.

We use this technology for:

1. Early monitoring of patients undergoing treatment with a high risk of cardiotoxicity.

2. Differential diagnosis of complex cardiovascular diseases and assessment of treatment effectiveness.

Your heart is our priority. By choosing "Oberih" Clinic, you are choosing not just an examination, but an individual approach and the dedication of our expert doctors to detect even the slightest hidden pathology to ensure maximum protection against the development of heart failure.

Don't wait until your heart "raises its voice". Book your Speckle Tracking Echo appointment today and get a complete picture of your heart's health!

To schedule an examination, please call: +38 044 521 30 03