Physical Principles of Ultrasonics in Cardiovascular Measurements

Abstract

In echovardiography, the physical interactions between ultrasound and the cardiac structures and blood are exploited to give information about structure motion, anatomical relationships and blood flow. Since ultrasonic waves travel at almost constant speed and with only moderate attenuation through the soft tissues of the body, echocardiographic methods give accurate dimensional data.

This article is an elementary introduction to the physical principles of ultrasonics in cardiovascular measurements. For more information, reference may be made to the list of suggestions for further reading at the end of the article.