The role of echocardiography in heart failure

Data from echocardiography provide a cornerstone in the management of heart failure. All imaging techniques can provide an ejection fraction, but the versatility of echocardiography makes it unique in the provision of volumes, diastolic function, right ventricular function, hemodynamics, and valvular regurgitation. The early detection of heart failure has been facilitated by the assessment of global longitudinal strain, which is also useful in later heart failure for the assessment of left ventricular synchrony. The use of echocardiography has been associated with favorable outcomes, probably on the basis of facilitation of appropriate therapy. This review examines the evidence provided by echocardiography and its application in specific settings. Although the guidelines emphasize that no single test satisfies all imaging requirements in heart failure, and other modalities can provide additional information about specific questions (especially tissue characterization), echocardiography is indispensable in the management of heart failure.