What is the primary purpose of echocardiography?

The primary purpose of echocardiography is to visualize the heart's structure and function. This non-invasive imaging technique uses sound waves to create detailed images of the heart, allowing healthcare providers to assess various aspects such as the size and shape of the heart chambers, the function of the heart valves, and the overall mechanics of cardiac motion. By providing real-time images, echocardiography is essential for diagnosing various heart conditions, evaluating heart function, and guiding treatment plans.

In contrast, measuring blood pressure, performing cardiac surgeries, and assessing lung capacity involve different clinical techniques that do not specifically relate to the core functionality of echocardiography. Blood pressure is typically measured using a sphygmomanometer, surgeries are invasive procedures performed by surgeons, and lung capacity assessments usually involve pulmonary function tests rather than imaging modalities like echocardiography.