What is strain imaging?
Strain imaging is an advanced form of heart ultrasound that measures how much the heart muscle actually stretches and shortens with each beat. A standard echocardiogram reports the ejection fraction, but that figure can look normal even when the muscle has already begun to weaken. Strain imaging follows tiny patterns in the muscle from frame to frame and produces a detailed map, often shown as a colour diagram, that reveals early or localised weakness before it becomes obvious in any other way.
Why is it done?
Because it detects damage early, it is used to pick up the first effects of certain cancer treatments on the heart, so that treatment can be adjusted before the muscle is significantly harmed; to distinguish between causes of a thickened heart muscle, including diseases such as amyloidosis or to detect early damage from valve disease.
What happens on the day?
Strain imaging is done as part of an ordinary echocardiogram, so nothing extra is required and you will not notice any difference.
What to expect afterwards
The gel is wiped off, you dress, and you can eat, drive and continue your day immediately with no restrictions.
Possible complications
There are none of consequence.
This information does not replace a consultation. Please discuss your own risks and options with your cardiologist.