Feeling tired easily, shortness of breath, palpitations, or unexplained chest discomfort should not be ignored, especially if these symptoms occur repeatedly.
Such complaints may be linked to various conditions, including heart disorders. To help determine the underlying cause, doctors may perform cardiac examinations, including echocardiography, or a heart ultrasound.
Echocardiography is an examination that uses sound waves to assess the structure and function of the heart in real time. Explaining this, dr. Liem Audi Natalino, Sp.JP (K), FIHA, FAPSC, AIFO-K from Mayapada Hospital Surabaya stated that echocardiography helps doctors evaluate the overall condition of the heart, ranging from its structure and pumping strength to blood flow within the organ. “Heart disorders cannot always be detected solely through symptoms or physical examinations. Through this examination, doctors can obtain a clearer picture of the heart’s structure and function.”
As a safe and painless procedure, echocardiography also plays an important role in helping doctors determine the most appropriate course of treatment. “Based on the results, doctors can establish a more accurate diagnosis, assess the severity of the condition, and decide on the most suitable treatment plan, whether it only requires monitoring, medication, or further intervention. This examination can also be carried out as part of routine screening,” added Dr Liem.
Nevertheless, echocardiography is only one part of a comprehensive series of cardiac examinations. Heart examinations are not only intended for individuals who already experience symptoms, but are also important as an early detection measure, particularly for those with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.
To support optimal heart detection and treatment, integrated and comprehensive services are essential. Through its Heart & Vascular Center, Mayapada Hospital Surabaya provides comprehensive services strengthened by three main pillars. These include Emergency Excellence through its Chest Pain Unit, which focuses on the evaluation, diagnosis, and initial management of chest pain complaints, whether caused by cardiac or non-cardiac conditions, with complimentary initial examinations if no cardiac indication is found, as well as further referrals if heart disease is suspected through Cardiac Emergency services supported by specialist and subspecialist doctors available on-site 24 hours a day. Advanced Treatment covers vascular services, heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmia), and structural heart abnormalities such as valve disease using the latest approaches. Meanwhile, Team-Based Management ensures that clinical decisions and treatment plans are determined through active collaboration within the Cardiac Board, involving cardiologists, cardiovascular thoracic surgeons, cardiovascular anaesthetists, and paediatric cardiologists.
Supported by the latest medical technology, these services include a wide range of procedures such as Coronary Angiography (CAG), Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), including Complex PCI, treatment for heart valve and vascular disorders, heart rhythm abnormalities, as well as advanced heart failure therapy supported by the latest Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) technology. The service also features a Cardiac Advisor who assists patients and their families comprehensively from the beginning through to recovery, ensuring that every medical decision is clearly understood, treatment proceeds smoothly, and all patient concerns are addressed promptly and appropriately.
Complete information regarding cardiac services across all Mayapada Hospital units can be found through the Health Articles & Tips feature on MyCare, as well as the Personal Health feature connected to Google Fit and Health Access to monitor heart rate, calories burned, steps taken, and Body Mass Index (BMI).