In this test:
● A standard echocardiogram is performed using ultrasound.
● Advanced software tracks tiny “speckles” (natural markers) within the heart muscle.
● These speckles show how well different segments of the heart muscle move and
deform.
This helps doctors measure Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), which is an important
marker of heart function.
Strain imaging helps detect subtle heart muscle weakness that may not be visible in a
standard 2D Echo. Doctors use it for:
● Early detection of heart failure
● Monitoring patients on chemotherapy (cardio-oncology care)
● Evaluating valve diseases
● Identifying cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
● Assessing recovery after a heart attack
● Detecting asymptomatic heart dysfunction in high-risk patients
Your cardiologist may suggest strain imaging if you:
● Are receiving cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation
● Have a history of coronary artery disease or heart attack
● Have valvular heart disease
● Show signs of heart muscle weakness or reduced pumping efficiency
● Need closer monitoring of heart failure progression
● Detects heart muscle problems earlier than standard tests
● Non-invasive, painless, and radiation-free
● Helps tailor treatment, especially in cancer patients or those with complex heart disease
● Improves long-term outcomes by guiding timely interventions
✨ Strain Echocardiography is now considered a gold standard for advanced heart care, helping doctors prevent complications by detecting problems early.
