What is the primary purpose of a cardiac ultrasound?

The primary purpose of a cardiac ultrasound, also known as echocardiography, is to visualize the heart's structure and function. This non-invasive imaging technique uses sound waves to create real-time images of the heart, allowing healthcare professionals to assess various aspects of cardiac health. Through this procedure, clinicians can evaluate heart chamber sizes, wall motion, valve function, and overall cardiac performance. By observing these details, they can diagnose conditions such as heart disease, congenital defects, and cardiomyopathies, as well as monitor the effectiveness of treatment plans.

Other options, such as monitoring blood pressure levels, evaluating lung capacity, or assessing kidney function, fall outside the scope of what cardiac ultrasound is designed to achieve. Blood pressure is typically measured through sphygmomanometers or other devices rather than imaging techniques. Lung capacity evaluation involves spirometry and other pulmonary function tests, and kidney function is assessed via blood tests and imaging targeted at the renal system. Thus, these options do not align with the core purpose of a cardiac ultrasound, which is centered on the heart itself.